《Alpha Xander: His Contracted Luna》


 Heartbroken

    ONE YEAR AGO


    He nted a kiss on her cheek, making her turn red, and wrapped his hands around her waist as he drew her closer to him, ¡°By this time next year, I¡¯ll be done with my program at Harvard,¡± she giggled as he nted a kiss on her forehead, ¡°And we¡¯ll finally be together-¡±


    ¡°-Forever,¡± shepleted for him as she stared into his eyes lovingly, her arms wrapped around his neck. It was one of the best moments she had when she was with him.


    ¡°Forever,¡± he repeated as they locked lips, engaging in a brief yet passionate kiss before he begrudgingly pulled away from her.


    ¡°I should get going now,¡± he told her in a sad tone as he picked up his traveling bag.


    She hugged him from his back, tears trickling down her face, ¡°Next year¡­ don¡¯t you dare forget,¡± she threatened jokingly.


    He turned to her and gave her hands a light, reassuring squeeze, ¡°This time next year, you¡¯ll go from Catherine Brown to Catherine Lindse. I promise,¡± he assured her as he kissed the tears from her eyes.


    She sniffed in a chuckle, ¡°I have something for you,¡± she announced before making her way towards her closet.


    He shuffled on his left foot, ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary,¡± he itched his head in embarrassment, knowing fully well what she was going to give him. It wasn¡¯t the first time nor the tenth time.


    For the 6 years they had been together, it had been like a routine of hers, and although he always rejected it every time, she always found a way to get it to him.


    She brought out a slightly bulky brown envelope and stretched it to him, ¡°Here, take this.¡±


    He nced at the envelope and then at her, ¡°I don¡¯t know how many odd jobs you must have taken up to get this, but like I always say, I can¡¯t take this,¡± he pushed the envelope back to her.


    She stared at him with a defiant look, ¡°What are you talking about? You can¡¯t possibly reject it,¡± she stated before adding, ¡°I have no one except you in this world and we can¡¯t both be dropouts, so take it to support yourself,¡± she urged him as she took his left palm in hers and ced the envelope in it.


    He nced at the envelope, his eyes watering, ¡°Thank you Catherine but you really shouldn¡¯t have. You could have saved up to go back to college with all the money you¡¯ve been giving me,¡± he sighed.


    She hugged him tight, ¡°It really doesn¡¯t matter to me. So long as you are happy, I am.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    THE PRESENT


    She removed her hair band and her long, dirty blonde hair fell in curls down her skull, before stopping above her ass. She picked up ab and brushed her hair before making her way toward the full-length mirror.


    She stared at her reflection in the mirror. A pair of white, knee-high bootsplimented the strapless, ck gown she had on. The gown hugged her body tightly, showing all her curves, and stopped at her thighs.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Silver jewelry adorned her neck, wrists, and ears as a smile yed on her dolled-up face, ¡°Perfect!¡± she squealed in her fruity voice excitedly as she picked up her silver purse and her white, leather jacket from the bed before briskly making her way towards the front door.


    Lavender. She immediately dashed back into the room and picked up the bottle ofvender perfume she had specifically prepared for the event since he loved the smell of Lavender.


    She brought out her phone and checked the time. Shit! I¡¯m runningte. She immediately dashed out of the house, locked the door, and sped into her worn-out car.


    ¡°Mrs. Catherine Lindse,¡± she blushed at her words and started the engine, ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is happening,¡± she squealed, tears brimming in her eyes.


    She looked up at the roof of her car, trying to stop tears from falling on her face as it would ruin her makeup instantly.


    ¡°Mrs. Catherine Lindse,¡± she repeated again andughed in joy before driving towards the restaurant where she was to meet her boyfriend. After a long drive, she arrived at the restaurant and nervously made her way towards the door while wearing her jacket.


    She took deep breaths as she stood in front of the door, and made her way inside the restaurant. The restaurant was simply decorated, yet breathtakingly beautiful. She didn¡¯t have time to admire it as her eyes darted around, searching for him.


    A female waitress walked up to her, ¡°Miss. Catherine Brown?¡± she asked.


    What was Jack nning?


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m,¡± Catherine affirmed with an excited smile.


    ¡°Pleasee with me,¡± the waitress told her before making her way towards the door nearest to the restaurant counter. Catherine followed closely behind her, wondering what she would find behind the door.


    She walked through the door to see it was just an entrance to a hallway with several doors on the side. The waitress kept walking so Catherine continued following her, ¡°This is the room,¡± the waitress announced, stopping at one of the doors.


    ¡°Oh¡­ thank you. Ummm¡­¡± Catherine trailed off as the waitress walked away with a bored expression on her face. How rude!


    She carefully opened the door and saw Jeremy, who was on a phone call, seated at a beautifully decorated table for two that had several bottles of wine on it.


    ¡°¡­ now. It won¡¯t be that long, I promise. She¡¯ste for some reason but I promise to be with you in a while. Just let me get this over with¡­¡± she heard him saying and a confused expression made its way to her face.


    What is he talking about? Is this another surprise? An odd feeling crept through her body making its way to her chest.


    She coughed lightly trying to get his attention from the phone or whoever he was calling, with her signature smile on her face.


    Jack turned to her with a shocked expression, ¡°You guessed right. It won¡¯t take long,¡± he said into the phone before hanging up.


    ¡°You¡¯rete,¡± he pointed out sternly with an irritated expression on his face. Shocked was an understatement for what she felt.


    She chuckled nervously, ¡°Sorry, I was just trying to look my best for you,¡± She said making her way towards him to give him a kiss but he held her shoulders, stopping her.


    ¡°Jack? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Her eyes danced around in perplexity.


    What in the world is happening right now? Is this part of the surprise? This can¡¯t be a surprise, Jack never let his emotions out on her.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± he questioned, ¡°And why are you all dressed up?¡±


    She felt her heart sink at his words. He was different and now she was having doubts, ¡°You are going to propose to me¡­ right?¡± she asked without wasting time. ¡°You asked me to meet you here.¡±


    He burst intoughter and she couldn¡¯t help the feeling of dread that freely pulled and tied its knots below her stomach., ¡°I won¡¯t even waste my time. Why would I, a Harvard graduate, propose to you, a college dropout? You seriously don¡¯t expect me to stoop myself to your level,¡± he scoffed.


    ¡°What do you mean? What is all this? Tell me this is part of your surprise? Okay?¡± She pleaded softly. ¡°Just end it at once.¡±


    ¡°Snap it out Catherine Brown. This is reality, not some fantasy book.¡±


    Catherine felt a hurricane of pain hit her, ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t get it¡­ I sacrificed everything for you¡­ We¡¯ve been together for 7 years. I¡¯m literally the reason you could graduate from Harvard¡­ You said we¡¯d get married¡­ you¡­¡± she trailed off in tears as she fell to the floor, ¡°You said I¡¯d be Mrs. Lindse. I did everything for you Jack¡­ You can¡¯t do this,¡± she bawled.


    Jeremy stared at her sorry state concededly, ¡°And because you did those things, I didn¡¯t humiliate you in public. Do you think this private room is for free? You should be thanking me instead ofining,¡± he told her.


    She looked up at him, her mascara running down her face, ¡°Tell me this is a joke,¡± she cried out again.


    His face scrunched up in disgust, ¡°You should see yourself right now. You look like a total joke,¡± he nced at his wrist-watch, ¡°I wish I could join your pity party, but I have somewhere to be right now. By the way, the bottles on the table are for you. You can thank meter,¡± with that said, he waltzed out of the room leaving Catherine weeping loudly on the floor.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve known it was a dream. Nothing ever goes well for me,¡± she cried.


    She wiped her tears and made her way toward the bottles of alcohol.


    ***


    ¡°Fuck you,. Jack! I hope you rot in hell!¡± Catherineughed with tears streaming down her cheeks as she sped across the streets. She had left the restaurant drunk and was now speeding through the streets with no idea where she was headed.


    ¡°Shit!¡± she cursed as she pressed her left foot on the brake pad, but it was toote, she had hit something.


    Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Was that a dog or a cat?


    She got out of the car and staggered towards the front of her car to see she had hit two doglike animals and one was lying in a pool of its own blood making her gag.


    There was something eerie about the animals and so she made to flee but the sight of blood made her feel dizzy and she passed out on the ground.

 Mate

    The sounds of bones breaking filled the air as a man with torn and bloody clothes got up from the floor with a groan.


    ¡°What the fuck was that car?!¡± he cursed in annoyance as his eyes fluttered open.


    He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. He fell to the ground as he gasped for air. Is the link to my mate being severed?


    Tears fell from his eyes as he gasped for air and struggled to breath. The pain was making it unable for him to breath or do anything. He fell to the ground, held his neck and began rolling around, trying to deal with the pain.


    What is going on?


    Why is the link being severed?


    I wasn¡¯t rejected, nor did I reject my mate, so why am I feeling this pain?


    Different thoughts wandered his head as he tried to hold on to his consciousness. His face was now blue and it became even more difficult for him to breathe.


    The pain suddenly left as quickly as it came, making him release a sigh of relief.


    ¡°I thought I was going to die,¡± he chuckled in relief, before turning his head in the right direction.


    The sight before him shocked him terribly and he felt his heart sink as he stood on his feet. He made his way to a wolf that wasying in a pool of its own blood ¨C his mate.


    He finally understood why the link had been severed, it was because she was dead. He wasn¡¯t really bothered about her death. It personally didn¡¯t affect him, but he knew how it would affect his position.


    ¡°Could this be the hand work of those elders?¡± he asked himself as he stared at the lifeless body of his mate. He shook his head, dispelling the idea, ¡°No, they wouldn¡¯t. They only wanted to dethrone me because I was mateless, but now¡­¡± he nced at the dead body of his mate.


    He felt anger rise within him. Not anger at the death of his mate but anger at the one who had ruined all his efforts to retain the throne of his family.


    After discovering the council of were-elders were nning to dethrone him because he was mateless, he had spent quarter of his family¡¯s fortune to hold a party and had invited all the were-packs so he could find his mate and when three different packs didn¡¯t bring their Omegas, he took it upon himself to visit each pack to meet the Omegas.


    He had finally found his mate. Thankfully, she was weak and submissive but someone had killed her just like that.


    He nced at the car with anger and made his way towards it. Where was the driver? Could they have fled?


    He was just about to turn away when he saw someoneying on the floor. A woman?N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    He could hear her heart beating due to his heightened senses and made his way towards her. She had killed his mate and so she didn¡¯t deserve to live.


    He squatted by her side, ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± he scoffed in annoyance when the strong smell of alcohol hit his nostrils, ¡°She was drunk driving?¡± he felt a wave of anger hit him, his eyes reddening as his finger nails sharpened and grew longer.


    An idea suddenly lit up in his head making his anger mildly subside as his eyes returned to brown while his fingernails shortened and became dull.


    ¡°No one knows who my mate is and they can¡¯t prove someone isn¡¯t my mate either,¡± he voiced out his thoughts as he stared at the woman that was still passed out on the floor.


    Getting up from his feet, he made his way towards his mate, ¡°There¡¯s no time to waste. I need to bury her quickly,¡± he picked up the lifeless wolf and made his way toward the nearest bush.


    He took his wolf form and began digging as quickly as he could, not wanting anything to furtherplicate the issue at hand.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    FLASHBACK


    ¡°I want to see the human world,¡± she told him as he started a fire, ¡°This is the closest I¡¯ve ever been to it,¡± she added when she saw the look of disapproval on his face.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you go there, it¡¯s too dangerous,¡± he refused as he got up from the ground.


    She turned to him, a pleading look in her eyes, ¡°Xander, please. I just want to see what the human world looks like. Because of my failing health, I¡¯ve never been let out of my pack and the same will happen once I be your Pack¡¯s Luna. I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll die, but seeing the human world for once will make me die without regrets,¡± she pleaded.


    He felt his heart go out to her but he didn¡¯t have time for sightseeing so he refused, ¡°I¡¯m not here to tend to your requests. I¡¯m only here to take you to my pack as my Luna. Now, sit here while I go get you water. We can¡¯t travel thiste at night, considering your condition,¡± he instructed her.


    She nodded her head in defeat, her eyes brimming with tears. He immediately made his way toward the river bank, but when he got back, she was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡±


    He dulled his other senses and heightened his sense of smell and when he picked up her scent, he used it to chase after her.


    She was crossing the road in her wolf form when he finally saw her. He let out a sigh of relief because she was safe but then saw a car speeding towards her.


    He let out a roar to warn her as he leapt towards her, trying to get her out of the way but it was toote, the car hit them both.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THE PRESENT


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is happening,¡± he sighed tiredly as he concealed the grave properly, ¡°If only she had listened to me and not wandered off.¡±


    It was toote for regrets and so he made his way towards the human on the ground, picked her up and put her in the front seat before getting into the driver¡¯s seat and starting the car. He took onest nce at the woman and drove into the bush.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Catherine groaned in pain as her eyes fluttered open, ¡°Where am I?¡± She wondered as she sat up in bed.


    A bed? Why am I in bed?


    ¡°You¡¯re in my room,¡± a melodious, baritone voice boomed from her right.


    She turned her head in the direction of the voice to see a pair of brown eyes peering into the depths of her soul and she let out an ear-piercing scream.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she questioned as she moved back, creating a distance between them.


    ¡°I¡¯m Xander and I won¡¯t hurt you,¡± he assured her before continuing, ¡°Now, you killed my mate so you have to be my contract Luna,¡± he concluded making Catherine burst intoughter which immediately switched to a scream as he took his wolf form.


    ¡°Mate?¡± Catherine scoffed incredulously at the young man in front of her. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are talking about. Stop this trick of yours.¡±


    ¡°Really? A trick?¡± He asked peering down at her, his gaze made her uneasy and she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was more than he seemed.


    She did what anyone would do after being captured by someone you don¡¯t know.


    ¡°Help!¡± Catherine yelled loudly, racing toward the door in fear. Her heart beating ferociously against her ribcage, threatening to burst.

 The deal

    The wolf blocked Catherine¡¯s path and tears began rolling down her face. Is this where I die? Is this what everything in my life will amount to? Death at the hands of a mythical creature?


    The wolf took back its human form, ¡°Like I said earlier, I won¡¯t hurt you, so just calm down, okay?¡± he assured her but it was easier said than done.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Although she nodded her head in agreement, the fear in her eyes couldn¡¯t be masked. Xander rubbed his temples.


    ¡°Just sit,¡± he instructed her, pointing his fingers in the direction of a couch at the left side of the room.


    Catherine looked in the direction of his fingers and quickly looked back at him.


    ¡°S-sure,¡± her voice quivered as she made her way toward the couch with her eyes trained on him. She was scared he would attack her while her back was turned.


    ¡®Don¡¯t turn your back on your enemies.¡¯ It was something Jack had told her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not an animal. I won¡¯t just attack you,¡± he assured her in frustration as he also sat on the couch. He stayed at the far end, not wanting to frighten her away by being too close to her.


    ¡°Says the one who turns into a wolf at will,¡± Catherine snapped venomously, before mping her hands over her mouth at her outburst. Oh, God! I just hope he doesn¡¯t get mad at me.


    He stared at her in annoyance, ¡°Can we just talk like civilized humans?¡± he requested.


    Says the one who isn¡¯t even human.


    She nodded her head and stared into his eyes, trying not to show her fear. If worsees to worst, I¡¯ll just have to escape.


    ¡°And don¡¯t even think of trying to escape from here. You¡¯re in my pack and they wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill or torture an intruder,¡± he exined to her, making her jaw drop in shock.


    ¡°Do werewolves read minds?¡± she questioned in suspicion.


    ¡°No, but I read faces,¡± he stated before continuing, ¡°I want you to be my Contract Luna. That is, you¡¯ll have to pose as my mate for a period of time till I ascend the throne.¡±


    Wait! What?


    ¡°Is this some sort of Joke?¡± she scoffed, ¡°How can I, a human, pose as your mate¡­ as your Pack¡¯s Luna? It¡¯s as crazy as it sounds,¡± she told him.


    Xander stared at the woman in annoyance. He can¡¯t believe she dares to put up an air of importance in front of me. What is a human in front of a werewolf?


    ¡°All I need you to do is pretend to be my Luna, it¡¯s not that hard. Being human doesn¡¯t mean anything. There are cases where werewolves had humans as their mates so no one will suspect anything,¡± he paused, letting her take in the information.


    He continued after a while, ¡°You will be well taken care of and I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re protected. Once I ascend the throne and rightfully be the Alpha of the pack, I¡¯ll fake your death and you can leave¡­ You can go back to your world and live your life as you please.¡±


    He watched as she pondered the offer, but then she shook her head, ¡°No, I¡¯m not interested. I won¡¯t feel safe in the midst of werewolves and I refuse to live the rest of my life in fear. How sure are you that no one will find out about this? Not to mention, I don¡¯t know how politics works in this ce-¡±


    ¡°Moreover, my life is already dramatic enough. I¡¯m not interested in getting involved or mixed up in all these supernatural dramas, so no, I refuse. I¡¯d like to go home now. Thank you for hosting me,¡± she began standing up.


    A frown made its way to Xander¡¯s face.


    ¡°Wait!¡± he boomed.


    Catherine froze in the middle of getting up before sitting back down. Oh Boy! What have I gotten myself into? How did I even get here?


    ¡°You¡¯re Catherine Brown, twenty-five years old college dropout-¡± he started but she cut him off.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I know my life story, you creep, what are you getting at? And why were you even stalking me? Also, why does it have to be me? I¡¯m clearly not interested and I know I¡¯m attractive but werewolves aren¡¯t my type,¡± she stated, making him burst intoughter.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± she questioned with a deep frown etched in her face.


    Xander stoppedughing and stared at her in amusement, ¡°I can assure you that you aren¡¯t exactly my type either¡­ although it could still work. Anyways, I know you¡¯re struggling right now and if you ept this contract, you will not just go back to your world as a free woman but you¡¯ll go back filthy rich-¡±


    ¡°-I investigated everything about you and apparently, you¡¯re in dire need of cash, especially after you were most likely dumped by your Harvard lovest night, which exins your sorry state. I know your financial status and I will see you through college and still give you enough money to make you not just financially stable, but crazy rich. I¡¯ll take you from Zero to Hero.¡±


    ¡®¡­You¡¯ll go from Catherine Brown to Catherine Lindse.¡¯ A frown settled on her face as she remembered Jack¡¯s words a year before then. Xander¡¯s words sounded just like his.


    She stared at him in anger, ¡°Like hell I¡¯d believe you. I¡¯ve told you already, I¡¯m not getting myself involved in your supernatural shit, so please, leave me alone. I¡¯m not interested, okay? Thanks!¡± she got up from the couch and began making her way towards the door.


    Xander was shocked at her sudden outburst. He hadn¡¯t said anything to warrant her anger. He was hoping he wouldn¡¯t have to use hisst card. Just why Catherine?


    ¡°You do realize this wouldn¡¯t have happened if you hadn¡¯t killed my mate?¡± he questioned her, making her freeze in her steps.


    She turned to him slowly, ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°Last night, you ran two wolves over while drunk driving,¡± he started, feeling guilty at using his mate¡¯s death as leverage, ¡°It was my mate and I¡­ She was weak and sick, and so she died from the impact,¡± he stood up from the couch and turned to her.


    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t killed my mate, I wouldn¡¯t have asked you to y the part. You started this. You should end it,¡± he deadpanned, making Catherine drop to her knees.


    ¡°Will you be my contract Luna?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she agreed.

 Beautiful Luna

    Xander stepped out of the shower and into his room to see a woman seated on his bed, a seductive smile on her face as he approached her. I really don¡¯t have time to deal with this.


    ¡°I have a ball to prepare for Faye,¡± he told her, stopping a few steps away from her.


    A frown settled on her face, ¡°I still can¡¯te to terms with the fact that a human is your mate,¡± she stares at him in disbelief, ¡°It¡¯s not just me, everyone¡¯s confused,¡± she adds with a scoff.


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s my mate and I¡¯m going to announce it, so excuse me,¡± he stated, not interested in holding a conversation with her.


    Faye stood up in annoyance, ¡°Are you really epting a human as your mate instead of me?¡± she questioned him before adding, ¡°I rejected my mate for you.¡±


    Xander groaned in annoyance, ¡°You¡¯re not my mate and I¡¯m not responsible for your actions,¡± he deadpanned before stretching his hands in the direction of the door, ¡°Get out Faye, you¡¯ll make me runte for the ball.¡±


    With a look of hurt and anger on her face, she stormed out of his room making Xander let out a groan.


    He was always trying not to offend her considering the kind of power her family held, but she always kept pushing it.


    ¡°Time to focus on the ball,¡± he thought out loud and made his way to his closet.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡°You look really beautiful Luna,¡± the maid that Xander had assigned to Catherine told her as she stared at Catherine¡¯s outfit.


    ¡°Really?¡± Catherine chuckled trying to hide the fear in her voice, ¡°And please, don¡¯t call me Luna. I¡¯m already nervous and you calling me Luna is making it worse.¡±


    The maid chuckled, ¡°It¡¯s understandable for you to be scared-¡±


    Catherine cut in with a scoff, ¡°Scared? I¡¯m not scared, ¡­ I¡¯m just nervous about meeting everyone. Yes, it¡¯s nervousness, not fear,¡± she told the maid.


    ¡°Are you trying to convince me or yourself?¡± Kira asked her with a slight chuckle, before cing her hand on Catherine¡¯s and giving her reassuring squeeze, ¡°It¡¯s okay to be scared Lu- Catherine. You¡¯re the only human in the midst of several werewolves.¡±


    Catherine let out a breath she didn¡¯t realize she had been holding, ¡°I¡¯m literally shaking. I¡¯m scared they might attack me or disapprove of me and feed me to their chi-¡± she paused and turned to Kira, ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she apologized.


    How could she be so insensitive to someone who has been nothing but nice and thoughtful towards her? Geez! What am I thinking?


    Kira shrugged, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I understand why you must think like that but we¡¯re not vampires. We don¡¯t go crazy at the sight of humans and we definitely don¡¯t feed humans to our children,¡± she chuckled, ¡°You¡¯ll be fine Catherine.¡±


    ¡°Wait! Vampires also exist?¡± Catherine asked in fear.


    Kira chuckled, ¡°Yes, but you don¡¯t have to worry about them. They don¡¯t stay in these parts,¡± she assured her.


    ¡°Thank you Kira,¡± Catherine said with gratitude.


    ¡°We should get going,¡± Kira informed her and Catherine nodded before getting up and making her way out of the dressing room and towards the hall.


    As they got closer to the hall, the soft music ying became louder till they were at the top of the stairs leading into the hall. The hall went silent as everyone trained their eyes on a nervous Catherine.


    How did I get myself into this again? Catherine wondered.


    Catherine made her way down the hall with the help of Kira, going one step at a time so as not to tumble down the stairs. She spotted Xander standing at the middle of the stairs in a blue and silver tuxedo. He seemed to sparkle under the chandelier and she began wondering if he had been that attractive when she met him the day before.


    Xander watched Catherine descend down the stairs in her ck, strapless gown with silver floral patterns on it from the waist down, while the top had light silver patterns on it.


    Her hair was packed in a bun and adorned with jewelry.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± he whispered as he gazed at her. He could also hear the awed whispers that came from the werewolves and felt satisfied.


    We¡¯re off to a good start, he mused.


    He took over from Kira when they got to his side and held her hand in his, ¡°You look dazzling,¡± heplimented her as they made their ways down the stairs.


    A bright fake smile made its way to her face as she turned to him, ¡°You¡¯re so sweet,¡± she giggled but he could see the annoyance behind the sweet facade she put on.


    He stopped a few steps to the end of the stairs and on cue, a maid brought a tray that had two sses of wine and a small silver spoon on it.


    Xander took a ss of wine and the spoon, and Catherine took the other ss with a bright smile still on her face.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Xander raised his cup in the air and lightly hit the spoon against it thrice making the hall descend into total silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m not one to draw out unnecessary things. The human by my side is Catherine, and she¡¯s my mate. I want you all to ept her as my Luna. Enjoy the ball,¡± the wolves roared in excitement and the music resumed.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Catherine questioned in shock.


    ¡°What did you expect?¡± he asked her as they made their way down, ¡°Just try to be calm and mingle,¡± he told her before leaving her by herself. Catherine didn¡¯t have time to worry because a group of werewolves made their way towards her as soon as he left.


    The night was going well, much to Catherine¡¯s surprise and she was having the time of her life. Turns out werewolves aren¡¯t all that bad. She chuckled as she grabbed a ss of wine from one of the waitresses.


    ¡°Hey there, human,¡± a feminine voice said from her back.


    Catherine could hear the venom in her tone and it sent cold shivers down her spine but she brushed it off.


    She turned back to see a gorgeous woman staring down at her. The audacity of the woman to address her like that.


    ¡°Hey there, werewolf,¡± Catherine smirked.


    ¡°I¡¯m Faye, your worst nightmare,¡± The werewolf introduced herself before continuing, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare think you can steal Xander from me. Who the hell do you think you are, you lowly human? Know your ce and don¡¯t you dare think of bing Luna. If you know what¡¯s good for you, reject Xander. I assure you that the pain you feel will be nothingpared to what I¡¯ll put you through if you remain here,¡± she threatened her.


    Catherine was dumbfounded as fear overtook her. She could see Faye wasn¡¯t kidding, ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡± she tried to argue but fear overtook her.


    ¡°You¡¯re nobody-¡±


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing Faye?¡± Xander stepped in, anger written across his face.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Catherine made her way towards her room, humiliated at how she hadn¡¯t been able to defend herself.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she heard Xander ask as he closed the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m canceling the contract,¡± she stated.

 Calling off the contract

    Her mind was in disarray. She thought she had the picture perfect setting to fit into the werewolf life. Dressed up in all manner of mour and eloquence, she had a bright smile which was now dull on her face thanks to vile Werewolfdy.


    She could have managed to keep up with the contract if not for the Werewolfdy which made her feel out of ce, yet again.


    She was she kidding? Xander as he imed was obviously trying to use her for his reasons, using the fact that she killed his mate as an excuse.


    Despicable! She spat inwardly.


    ¡°-So much for turning my back to the enemies, I would rather die out there in the real world than by the hands of a mythical creature with a lover¡¯s grudge,¡± she thought to herself, holding her dress by the hips.


    Shortly after telling Xander she was cutting of the contract she walked out of the room.


    She exited the midst of the gathering, and Xander followed her from behind.


    ¡°Catherine, hold on a second,¡± Xander called out a little bit aggressively, his voice sounded like he was painfully restraining himself from going overboard, he didn¡¯t want to offend her.


    He could not rte to what was going on in her head, seeming he was the fearless Alpha always calling the shots and she was an ordinary human with every reason to fear, but her stubbornness intrigued him.


    Catherine should know better than trying to cut off the contract. They were just at the beginning stage, neighbouring packs hasn¡¯t paid their homage to her as the Luna.


    The awkward stares and ill-looking eyes as well as the threat was too much to handle. For a woman who had never been threatened before, her mind was slowing deterring.


    She stormed into a small waiting room. She was about to shut the door, Xander stopped her with a hand against the door. She lopsided her head and asked as she stepped back to let him in,


    ¡°What do you want?!¡± Catherine yelled, trying not to raise her voice which would alert anyone walking by now.


    ¡°I should be asking the questions here.¡± He fired back. ¡°Calling off the contract is so absurd. Wait, what do you want to do? Go out there and let everyone you killed my mate? Do you think you would survive? You killed their real Luna. For a Human you¡¯ve got some nerves.¡±


    Catherine sighed in fright. Her chest could be seen heaving in despair.


    ¡°When do you think this will end? ¨CI can¡¯t do this anymore.¡±She shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t!!¡±


    Xander sighed, with calcted steps he slowly walked to her side patting her back to console her.


    ¡°It would be over. But I can¡¯t guarantee how soon.¡± She raised her head and nced at him with her yet-to-be tear-dropping eyes, ¡°I can¡¯t-I just can¡¯t. I tried but I can¡¯t.¡±


    He raised her chin and stared into her glimmering eyes. She frail and looked really torn, a promise or two would reassure her and his ns wont be utterly disrupted.


    ¡°I promise you everything will be okay. You have my word Catherine.¡±


    She closed her eyes not longer than a few seconds and looked into his eyes with utter intent, ¡°I have been promised many things in the past. What makes your word different?¡±


    He gently wiped a tear with his finger right underneath her left eye, ¡°There¡¯s something I see in you. Since the day I saved you.¡± He lied smoothly.


    He leaned in closer to her side, ¡°something special in you just makes me want to keep you safe ¨Cand by keeping you safe you can help me help you Catherine. If it is about Faye don¡¯t bother, I¡¯ll see to it she never dares toy as much as a hair on you.¡±


    She had shed light on his sweet words and infallible promise.


    ¡°You still want to hold the contract right?¡± he asked with a soothing tone.


    It was this or going back to the mundane and facing financial troubles. She would be alone in despair and her tangible life woulde crashing down. She knew he wouldn¡¯t let her go back on the offer. The contract was the only thing that made her valuable at the moment.


    She knew this was the best over she would ever get. ¡°I will never have to stress over student loans or ever be indebted to anyone. I won¡¯t pull overnight shifts and the bills-oh the bills. Never again. And this was a perfect distraction from her just concluded heartbreal.


    She lowers his hand from her chin and ces it on the end of the cushion.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t back out of the contract now, I will have to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life,¡± she said with a mildly stern face.


    His eyes had looks of uncertainty and wavering with mindless curiosity, ¡°I¡¯ve got you covered, just trust me,¡± he leaned in for a kiss but she wasn¡¯t having it. She withdrew toote and his lips met hers. A brief moment of tenderness swells on his face, he was ddened but she was not.


    He licked the gloss on his lower lip and smiled. That struck a nerve, she was annoyed and her face reddened.


    She pushed him away, stunned by his act. Her face was in a flush. An awkward silence split the air and her temper rose to the roof.


    ¡®How dare you?!¡± she yelled.


    Her fists were clenched tightly and were inches away from Xander¡¯s face. She restraints herself and thought, ¡°What hurt will it do?¡±


    ¡°I-I uh¡­¡± he stuttered.


    ¡°Save it,¡± she snapped and walked out the small waiting room.


    He sat there waiting out the consequences of his witty yet unpredictable kiss. In her absence, her scent still filled the room, he struggled to keep his sanity. This was part of his n, how could he be moved by the scent of a human?


    Nheless, he still held his word on warning off Faye. He could condone all her excesses for the fact it doesn¡¯t affect anything around him.


    But now, Catherine was his problem and only he knows the truth and what to do about it.


    ****


    Catherine went to the room down the hall on her right. ¡°I can¡¯t believe that guy, ugh!¡± she grunted. The room was reserved just for her. The bed was made by Kira obviously with an over the top lighting and venttion. This ambience slowly calmed her nerves but the angst still remains.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    MOMENTS LATER


    Xander barged into Faye¡¯s room nearly ripping the door off its hinges. She had heard the belligerent footsteps but wasn¡¯t expecting a loud bang. She sat up from her sleeping position, ¡°What the hell?¡±


    He pulled the sheets off her legs and tossed it to the ground.


    ¡°Listen to me, and listen to me good,¡± his eyes darkened and his chest was pounding fast, ¡°If you dare try to y any tricks with Catherine I will make you regret it.¡±


    She chuckled, ¡°A little harm won¡¯t kill her,¡± she said. ¡°Maybe a broken leg or too will keep her from wandering into ces she isn¡¯t wanted,¡± she teased on.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y with me dammit!¡± he drove a blow into the wall. His fist made arge impact that made the light-bulb twitch. His eyes had changed color, he was moments away from changing into his wolf form.


    ¡°Easy now Alpha, she said with a gleam of sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯ll back off¡­ for now¡±


    Xander got mad. He broke the bed stand and held the pointy end to her face,


    ¡°Swear it,¡± he groaned deeply with an under tone.


    ¡°I swear it,¡± she gulped with a grin.


    She realized he was serious and that made her more infuriated with Catherine. The hatred grew by the minute. Not obvious then and there for Xander to see. He broke the pointy nk on the wall and left the room.


    She sat there and muttered to herself, ¡°Dear Catherine wouldn¡¯t know what hit her when Ie for her.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Don鈥檛 want any trouble

    Faye had a mind of her own, ¡°Going against the warning of an Alpha would lead to a wolf being cast out of the pack. And when that happens, word will spread of the wolf¡¯s misdeeds and insolence. No other pack would take them in. They would be helpless, weak and easily meet their end when crossing paths with a bloodsucker,¡± she tarried in her thoughts.


    She had to let go of her conceit if she wanted to get in with Catherine. ¡°I will wine and dine with that mundane being if I have to,¡± she said. Faye rested her arms on the balcony watching Catherine walk alone in the courtyard.


    ¡°I will gain her trust,¡± She smirked. ¡°Who does she think she is walking around like she owns the ce?¡±


    She walked back into her quarters and dropped t on her mattress. A new bed stand had been restored. She smiled ring at the ceiling when a thought dawned on her.


    ¡°The human has no ally or any friends among the pack,¡± she rolled her tongue and went on, ¡°I could lean in with an emotional deceit of course. Maybe show her a thing or two about what being a Luna ¨Cthe female alpha deals with. Nah¡­ What am I saying?¡± she ran her fingers on her hairline.


    ¡°-she doesn¡¯t even have the gene,¡± She scoffed. No one will respect her but with my influence it might as well fall in ce,¡± she bites her lower lip.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t trust so easily so I could stick out my neck for her a few solid times and get hurt in the process on purpose,¡± she sneered.


    ¡°No doubt, just when a sliver of trust builds, I¡¯ll apologize for holding a grudge ande out saying I was petty and blinded by love h, h, h¡­,¡± she railed on, ¡°A chance after that, if we¡¯re alone I¡¯ll give her a long painful death. Her wailing would bring joy to my ears. In the end I¡¯ll have one of the betas loyal to the cause take the fall.¡±


    ***


    Catherine was out to get some fresh. She felt suffocated in the broodingpany of werewolves. Her mind was clouded with silly thoughts of running away, but that would be futile.


    ¡°They are beyond human, and Xander¡­ he-he just wants what he wants by any means,¡± she snorted. ¡°If I don¡¯t oblige¡­¡± She sighed, ¡°I¡¯ll be charged with drunk driving and the destroyer of lives-murder.¡±This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°-that¡¯s a life sentence for sure.¡±


    She had no choice but to reconsider Xander¡¯s contract.


    She sat by the fountain and admired her features in the sparkling water, ¡°These furry demons could pop out anywhere and rip my head off,¡± she cowered.


    ¡°I shoulda just went home like a normal person that night,¡± she said. ¡°Drowning my sorrows in the four walls of my apartment,¡± she thought to herself.


    A droplet from the sky set a ripple in the fountain water, wavering her reflection.


    Wolfs howled from a distance.


    Her forehead furrowed, ¡°I better take shelter before this gets any weirder,¡± she sped into the building holding her hands above her head.


    A rush of rain came pouring down in the courtyard.


    ***


    She settled in and took off her top in the cloakroom.


    ¡°Wow! Someone has a nice body,¡± Faye crept from behind.


    Catherine is spooked and felt unsafe. She wrapped her arms round her bare chest, shivering.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt me,¡± She yelped.


    ¡°Come on I wouldn¡¯t hurt you,¡± Faye smirked. ¡°It¡¯s just us don¡¯t fret.


    She moved closer to Catherine. She raised her hand in the air and pulls down a sweatshirt from a pile hung in the cloakroom.


    ¡°Go on¡­ get cozy,¡± Faye said. ¡°Okay I won¡¯t look.¡±


    Faye turned around and smiled.


    Catherine got in the sweatshirt hastily and went the other way to evade Faye.


    A male beta appeared before her.


    ¡°Faye,¡± Catherine gulped with fear. ¡°I don¡¯t want any trouble.¡±


    ¡°You know what¡­ It¡¯s about time,¡± Faye¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°For what?¡± She asked fearfully


    ¡°And that¡¯s Jackson by the way,¡± Faye said. ¡°Say hi Jackson,¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± Jackson said smiling boldly at Catherine.


    Faye took Catherine by the hand with a gentle touch. She dragged her to the sofa, next to Jackson.


    Faye got up walking to the cer, ¡°I know this is very random,¡± she said. ¡°Let¡¯s talk it over with a drink shall we?¡±


    Catherine didn¡¯t flinch, she had her eyes on the burning embers of the furnace, scared of what Faye might be up to. And this Jackson guy had his eyes peeled on Catherine.


    Catherine had no choice but to take a sip of the drink offered to her. Momentster, dizziness kicked in and everything after that was a blur.


    Faye let in some of the other betas to have their fun with Catherine and left. It wasn¡¯t long when Xander abruptly walked in went from the rain. Faye exited swiftly, the other betas didn¡¯t notice Xander.


    He charged at them with full throttle.


    ***


    Shey woke to her arms on a muscr build. She could feel the sheets rolling on her bare body. Immediately, she jumped off the bed and on crept behind the curtains to veil herself.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on Xander?¡±


    ¡°Rx Catherine,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you tell me to rx-


    ¡°You wanna yell at me after saving you from the betasst night?¡±


    shes of her being forced down on the sofa. Men hovering above her and touching her.


    She snapped out of the thought, ¡°Oh my God,¡± she whimpered.


    ¡°Be more careful with who you hang around with,¡± he warned. ¡°Most especially, Faye.¡±


    She still wondered what went on with her and Xanderst night. Her face consorted, ¡°And youst night?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t point fingers at me,¡± he said. ¡°You came on to me even though I didn¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°You took advantage of me didn¡¯t you?¡± she scoffed. ¡°Pervert!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t touch you,¡± he said. ¡°You got naked and slept off. I swear I didn¡¯t touch you.¡±


    ***


    A beta came running to meet Faye in her quarters. He looked bloodied and barely walking alright.


    ¡°He took us all outst night,¡± he said.


    ¡°Well better luck next time,¡± Faye scowled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he pleaded. ¡°Jackson got burnt, really bad.¡±


    Faye fell silent shortly and squinted her eyes, ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before I have my way with her.¡±


    ¡°-have the guys know of what I¡¯m about to tell you, and this time don¡¯t disappoint

 Noble Alpha

    In thete hours of night. They all gathered under the crescent moon on a cliff. The Omega¡¯s pack swung tree branches and jumped around all high and mighty. Xander¡¯s pack maintained their stance on the ground. Drew, the Alpha of the other pack stared at Xander with utter disdain in his eyes.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A beta made a flip off a branch and weed his Alpha, ¡°And here¡¯s the strong, brave and high esteemed Drew of the Omega Pack,¡± he spoke every word a light intensity.


    Xander and the others spread around to interact.


    ¡°What happened to your man face,¡± an Omega wolf asked Jackson.


    ¡°Bug Off,¡± he shrugged the Omega wolf.


    ¡°Sheesh just tryna have a convo bro,¡± he said.


    Drew and Xander walked met at the edge of the cliff.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had a shave,¡± Xander teased. ¡°Looks good on you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯te bearing jokes,¡± Drew said with a stern face.


    Xander stood at ease and folded his arms, ¡°I guess we have issues to sort out then.¡±


    ¡°You are murderous Alpha,¡± Drew stated pointing his finger at Xander¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Youe here with an usation,¡± Xander said. ¡®You¡¯ve got something on your mind Drew?!¡±


    They both growled and had a change of color in their eyes. Their fingernails grew longer, and they were about to wolf out any minute. Their packs got alerted and gathered around their Alphas.


    ¡°Leave us!¡± Xander ordered his pack.


    ¡°And leave you alone with them?¡± One of his betas asked.


    ¡°This dude got grass in his ears,¡± An Omega wolf teased.


    Jackson recognized the wolf from earlier. Faye saw the rage in his eyes, ¡°Stand back Jackson,¡± she ordered.


    ¡°Oouu Freddie Krueger is feisty,¡± the omega wolfughed.


    Jackson charged at him. The Omega wolf was weaker, Jackson tore into the wolf¡¯s ribcage. He ripped him open, revealing his entrails while in his wed human form.


    An omega wolf transformed and attacked Faye. She dodged the attack. The two packs charged at each other. Xander and Drew observed themselves in the outburst on the cliff. Who was gonna attack first?


    Xander growled at thetter.


    ¡°Come at me Drew!¡±


    Drew jumped into the air and came down at Xander. Xander defended the attack.


    ¡°You are not who I thought you were Xander,¡± Drew said.


    ¡°Save the talk and face me like an Alpha,¡± Xander said.


    Blood from two wolves going against each other sttered on Xander¡¯s face. He wiped the stain of his face and Drew had vanished.


    ¡°Show your face Drew,¡± Xander called.


    He came up from behind Xander, jabbing him at the back of his neck. Xander tumbles on the ground and stops at the edge of the cliff.


    Faye saw Xander down on his back and Drew standing over him. She rushed to his side, kicked Drew back in his chest.


    ¡°If anyone¡¯s gonna kill you it¡¯s me,¡± she smiled at Xander.


    Xander got back to his feet. Drew withdraws.


    ¡°Alpha back stand down,¡± Xander ordered.


    Jackson grabbed threw an omega off the cliff when he heard the call


    ¡°Understood,¡± the beta said.


    Drew and his pack gathered and fell back. Xander approached them.


    ¡°Faye take the pack and leave,¡± Xander instructed.


    Faye stood in his way, ¡°what are you doing Xander?¡±


    Xander growled immensely. The message was passed.


    ¡°Alpha pack, move out!¡± Faye ordered.


    Faye and the others dispersed, leaving Drew and his pack surrounding Xander.


    ¡°Why send them away, you¡¯ve got something to hide from your pack? Drew asked tantly. ¡°I thought so too.¡±


    Xander stood gant as the noble Alpha he was.


    Drew came up close and said in his ear, ¡°You killed my daughter,¡± he groaned. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for it.¡±


    Above them in the trees, Faye maintained her stealth eavesdropping on the two Alphas.


    Drew was always hot-blooded, but this time he kept his cool, ¡°You don¡¯t want to admit it do you¡­ I wille for you and take down your world all around you,¡± Drew threatened.


    Xander wasn¡¯t intimidated. He caught sight of Faye leaping of the tree.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go boys,¡± Drew whistled.


    They all left, running around and howling maniacally in the wood.


    ¡°Did you do it?¡± Faye saiding out of the shadows.


    Xander walked past her and remained unresponsive.


    ¡°The pack will leave you, you know,¡± She snarled. ¡°They will go against you when they find out.¡±


    He looked over his shoulder, ¡°Believe what you may,¡± he said.


    ***


    On the balcony, Xander stared nk at the blue skies. Catherine was smiling bright in the daylight next to him.


    ¡°What¡¯s got you smiling?¡± he asked teasingly


    ¡°Nothing,¡± She said. ¡°I just chose to not turn my smile upside like the rest of you.¡±


    ¡°Funny you say that schoolgirl,¡± heughed. ¡°How are the ssesing anyway?¡±


    She was d he asked, ¡°I just concluded a thesis on climate change-


    ¡°You¡¯ve been avoiding me all day Xander,¡± Faye interjected.


    Catherine looked confused, ¡°Xander?¡±


    ¡°You killed your mate and made her-this puny human¡­ your Luna,¡± she grinned. ¡°When it should have been me.¡±


    ¡°What is it with you Faye?¡± Xander asked angrily. ¡°Leave now!¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll go tell the pack all aboutst night¡¯s fallout,¡± She threatened.


    Catherine held Xander¡¯s hand quivering.


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡± Xander asked.


    ¡°Make me Luna right here, right now!¡± She demanded. ¡°And I won¡¯t tell the pack a thing.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re deluded. You¡¯ve always been deluded,¡± Xander said. ¡°I chose to keep you around because of your family¡¯s reputable name.¡±


    ¡°Ah you don¡¯t know what¡¯s gonna hit you Alpha boy,¡± Sheughed hysterically. Pointing her w at Catherine, ¡°This girl ran you and your partner over one night¡­ you survived and your mate died in the ident,¡± she sneered.


    ¡°You¡¯ll make a fool of yourself,¡± Xander said. ¡®It¡¯s all talk with nothing to show for it,¡± he smiled.


    Faye grew infuriated because she knew he was right. She gave Catherine an ill look and walked out in annoyance.


    ¡°Xander what¡¯s gonna happen?¡± Catherine asked.


    ¡°Nothing. Nothing¡¯s gonna happen,¡± he said confidently.

 His promise

    Xander had rubbed off some bravery on Catherine. She quivered at first but slowly regained confidence when Xander held her hand. She looked Faye dead in the eyes.


    ¡°You puny human!¡± Faye snapped at Catherine.


    Xander stood in her way but Catherine could stand for herself.


    ¡°You dirty mutt!¡± Catherine snapped backed.


    Faye was whelmed with quite a surprise. She stepped back with rage in her eyes.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re happy? Enjoy it while itsts.¡± Faye scoffed.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She dashed away from their quarters.


    ¡°How rude,¡± Catherine said. ¡°She just barged into our room like that.¡±


    Xander smiled and pulled Catherine close.


    ¡°You said OUR room,¡± he pouted his to nt a kiss on her forehead.


    This was no time to have a cute moment. At little enamor it was, it was a moment to be revered.


    ¡°But for real, hope it¡¯s gonna be alright?¡± She asked concernedly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve got it under control.¡±


    ¡°You sure do say that a lot,¡± she muttered.


    She took his words with a heart¡¯s trust. She confided in him.


    They had stuck by each other. Although the circumstance that brought them together was a disaster, they hoped to make the best of it. A beautiful disaster.


    ¡®¡­I promise to keep you safe,¡¯ she thought back on his word from the ball.


    He always showed up at the right time. Jack wasn¡¯t her knight in shiny armor. That was a facy. The truth, the real truth reborn and living is Xander, her husky breed. Just as hope is thest phase, Xander is herst phase. Her perseverant savior.


    ***


    The betas were outside on the field, wrestling shirtless. They were sweaty and it appears they have been at it all morning. Jackson held no part in their fun, he was chopping wood at the barn. He was surprised to see Xander look at him without a grimace, since the incident with Catherine.


    Jackson had served his penance but he still felt indebted to his Alpha.


    He put the axe down and bowed to his knees, ¡°My Alpha,¡±


    ¡°My loyal Beta,¡± Xander said.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    FLASHBACK


    His rage had taken over. The other betas ran off and left Jackson all by himself with Xander. Jackson got to knees and pleaded, ¡°Alpha forgive me-


    Toote for apologies. Xander kicked him hard by the side of his face.


    ¡°Please no,¡± Jackson begged.


    Xander took him by the cor. Catherine had passed out on the sofa.


    The furnace was burning with immense heat and the embers were bright red.


    ¡®This is what you get,¡± Xander growled.


    His skin slowly peeling oneyer and on to the next. His face melting on the embers.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± Jackson yelled in agony.


    Xander pulled him back when he got a hold of himself.


    One half of Jackson¡¯s face was bruised with blows taken from Xander, the other was a smoky lump of flesh. He wasn¡¯t regenerating like he was meant to if the burns were meager.


    Xander left him sobbing on the ground. His eyes were dull and brooding regretful emotions. He hoisted Catherine on his shoulders. He took onest look at helpless Jackson on the living room carpet and headed up the stairs.


    ¡°What happened,¡± Catherine wheezed.


    Xander carefully dropped her on the bed, and proceeded to leave the room.


    ¡°Have a good night,¡± he said and opened the door.


    ¡°Why the sad eyes,¡± drunk Catherine asked.


    Xander closed the door and sat by the corner of the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad now Alpha boy,¡± Catherine crawled to his side.


    She slowly undresses herself.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    PRESENT


    Xander picked the axe and swatted it in the air.


    ¡°You remember Vegas,¡± he asked Jackson.


    ¡°We sure dealt with a lot of ¡¯em bloodsuckers,¡± Jackson chuckled.


    ¡°Yeah just swinging heads at the casino,¡± Xander said handing the axe to Jackson.


    Xander ced a chunk of wood on the tter.


    Jackson chopped it into two halves with one swing.


    ¡°The good old days,¡± he smiled.


    Even when he tried to smile his face could neverpliment it. His face was always falling to the side.


    ¡°I need to talk to you about something Jackson,¡± Xander sat on a log.


    They talked about that dreadful night by the fire. Jackson had made peace with that long ago but Xander persisted on telling him how sorry he was.


    ¡°I should have reacted the way I did¡­¡±


    ¡°No Alpha. I deserved everything I¡¯ve got, we were the ones fooling around.¡±


    ¡°I could have handled it differently.¡±


    Jackson didn¡¯t want Xander to hold himself ountable or in the wrong.


    ¡®The deed had been done,¡± Jackson said. ¡°No retribution just consequences.¡±


    The sun was setting. The boys on the field were going in to have some food. They kept on hollering till they entered.


    ¡°You guys are all I¡¯ve got,¡± Xander told Jackson.


    ¡°And you¡¯re all we¡¯ve got,¡± Jackson said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made decision,¡± Xander said. ¡°Some good and some bad.¡±


    He got up and stared at the roof of the barn.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Jackson said


    They heard a ruckus in the barn. A fire started out of the blue.


    ***


    They pack came out with buckets of water in their hands. Every man trying their best to put out the fire before it burns up their entire food supply. With the little they had in the house, the barn was where they stocked up most of their supplies.


    Xander was walking back and forth waiting for Faye to give a report on the suspects they chased in the woods.


    Jackson had a seizure when the fire started. It was traumatizing and overly sensitive for him to bear. He was resting in the house and just woke up.


    ¡°Alpha¡­ I¡¯ll go after Faye in the woods for support,¡± Jackson signaled to Xander.


    ¡°Fall back beta,¡± Xander ordered.


    Faye and a few others were seening back from their chase.


    They met up with Xander in the woods.


    Faye was looking disappointed, ¡°We weren¡¯t able to catch the perp.¡±


    Xander stomped the ground in anger.


    ¡°This was obviously an attack from Drew,¡± he said.


    Faye had a look of disbelief in her eyes.


    ***


    Xander realized Catherine wasn¡¯t in the house the whole time. She had been missing. He gathered the pack outside that night.


    They pack were gathered on the field, where the stars were very few in the night.


    The sky was bleak. Xander¡¯s heart raced and he spun into a brief manic episode.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± Xander yelled. ¡°I will kill him. I will kill drew.¡±


    Two betas held Xander to calm him.


    Jackson took charge of the search for answers. For the time the search for Catherine was postponed by Faye. Xander couldn¡¯t calm down, he made his way to the woods when they pack was nning.

 A traitor

    MOMENTS BEFORE THE FIRE


    Catherine was alone in the room. She was bored and her semester break had just begun. She toured the house after breakfast with Xander.


    She stood at balcony and yelled at Xander, ¡°I might die of boredome back!¡±


    She was the one who convinced him to clear things out with Jackson. And he needed the rity.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in 15 minutes¡­ or less,¡± he said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go rolling in the dirt with those boyster,¡± She said.


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me what to do,¡± he teased. ¡°I might as well roll in dirt.¡±


    ¡°Alright free spirit,¡± She mocked.


    Xander walked backwards as he watched her go inside. He almost fell into the fountain. Too bad no one saw the Alpha humiliate himself.


    Faye was ambiguous as ever, she was not with the boys on the field. She wasn¡¯t in the house with Xander and Catherine. Jackson was outside the barn chopping wood. Faye was always the best at stealth, Jackson didn¡¯t notice her creeping into the barn.


    She poured a gallon of diesel on the food section area.


    ¡°This will serve him right,¡± She muttered to herself.


    She turned on the lighter. Deep down she knew this would be detrimental for everyone including herself but she just wanted to make a fuss. The omega pack would eventually be med for this.


    ¡°Let the fire burn,¡± she smirked.


    She tossed the lighter into the diesel trail. It didn¡¯t light up at first. She reach for it and knocked over a keg that made a disturbance. She heard Xander¡¯s voice outside.


    The trail caught fire before she second guessed her rash decision.


    Catherine could smell the fire from her quarters. The smokes had spread up in the air. She rushed outside and saw iting from the barn.


    She got in her pullovers and got out of the house.


    ¡°Xander!¡± She called.


    He would always show up when she called his name. This time was different and unusual. She went to check out the barn. She saw Fayeing out from the side where the fire started.


    ¡°Faye are you okay?¡± Catherine waved to get her attention.


    ¡°Come closer,¡± Faye coughed.


    Catherine was hesitant and saw the murderous intent in Faye¡¯s eyes. This was one of the moments Faye hoped for. The whole pack was distracted, including Xander who woulde searching for Catherine any minute now.


    She had Catherine to prey on. Finally.


    Catherine turned to the other route, which was safer just to run for the woods.


    Faye staggered and cackled, ¡°It¡¯s over for you now!¡±


    Catherine was fast but Faye was faster. Much faster.


    She looked around to find a good hiding spot. Faye was the only who had Catherine¡¯s scent, her heightened sense of scent was the strongest in the pack.


    Faye knew her time was limited. She would need to meet with the pack before suspicions were raised.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hide tryst me I¡¯ll find you,¡± Faye called out Catherine.


    Catherine ran till she reach a cliff.


    She kicked at the rocks at the edge of the cliff. She watched it reach a while before it made contact with the body of water down below.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you now,¡± Faye had a big smile on her face.


    If Catherine jumped the chances of survival were low and it was very risky. She would rather squash to bits on the huge rocks or die from the impact with the water.


    ¡°Too bad you won¡¯t rip me to shreds Faye,¡± Catherine said.


    She stepped a foot on the air right off the cliff.


    ¡°Too good you won¡¯t survive the jump,¡± Faye tilted her head to the side.


    Faye blurted out, ¡°You¡¯ll be gone and I will reign in your stead as I meant to.¡±


    She made quick steps to Catherine. Catherine agitated and hopped into a great depth.


    Faye looked down and only saw waves hitting against the rocks. She would get her story straight when she reaches the barn with the betas she meets along the way.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THE PRESENT


    His heavy steps and heavy breaths was all to find his love.


    ¡°There might be traps ahead Alpha!¡±


    He ran so fast, Jackson¡¯s voice behind him faded away. Xander was sure someone plotted a hit on them at the barn. As much as he didn¡¯t want to think of any other name he figured it could be Drew. Even though the Omega pack were only spotted here in mating season-which was once in a blue moon.


    ¡°Catherine! Catherine!¡± he yelled as he jumped over huge boulders.


    Nothing would get in his way. His mind was fixated on never stopping till he saw his mate.


    He thought to himself, ¡°Catherine never had a unique scent. On a normal day she smelled likevender. Right! Lavender blossoms.¡± It was a good assumption but it wouldn¡¯t help in the woods filled with tons ofvender flowers. It was hard to distinct which was hers.


    He thought to himself, ¡°It was hard to think.¡± He held his head high, ¡°Only if I had let her go back to her normal human life. Away from all this pain.¡±


    His mind made a conclusion.


    He faced left and made it to the sound of the waves.


    Catherine was nowhere to be seen. He caught thevender scent. There novender blossoms around.


    Heid on the cliff with his head popping down to get a clearer view. He saw his mate holding on to a rock in the concave of the exterior of the cliff.


    ¡°Schoolgirl!¡± he yelled happily


    ¡°Big bad wolf!¡± She sighed in relief.


    She clung to the rock with everything she had in her. It was as if she knew herst hope-Xander woulde saving her.


    Moments from slipping away.


    ¡°Take my hand,¡± He reached out to her.


    Xander had took off his shoes and dug his footed ws deep into the earth. He swung his upper body at his mate. She jumped on to his outstretched arm.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you,¡± he winked.


    She shut her eyes and crawled on his back.


    He gave her a piggyback ride to the house.


    ***


    The pack were all scattered around the woods. They searched for their Alpha. Eventually, they met up with Jackson who lost track of Xander.


    ¡°There he is,¡± A beta said.


    They tried to help carry Catherine but he wouldn¡¯t let go of her.


    Faye tried to be inconspicuous, creeping from a tree branch.


    ¡°Faye we¡¯ve found him. No more scouting,¡± The other beta said.


    They all reached the house and settled for a meeting out on the field.


    ¡°This was a personal attack on our turf,¡± Xander said.


    He tapped everyone on their shoulders and said to them, ¡°they cannot test us. If they do, we are at the other end stronger.¡±


    The pack paired up and took turns scouting the premises for the night.


    Faye waited behind but Xander actually wanted to discuss with Jackson. Alone


    Faye was dismissed. She was disgruntled but dared not go against her Alpha¡¯s wishes.


    Catherine was leaning on Xander when he addressed his trusted beta.


    He held him by the hand.


    ¡°There¡¯s a traitor amongst us.¡±

 Dance with him

    Last night surveince went up till the next morning. Jackson and the pack were strolling into the courtyard to have their daytime rest.


    Jackson stopped to wash his face at the fountain.


    He squinted his good eye, ¡°have anyone of you seen Faye?¡± he asked


    The others looked behind and realized she wasn¡¯t with them.


    ¡°She was with usst night,¡± a young beta said. ¡°She looked mad furious¡­ and low-key kinda hot though.¡±


    Another beta tapped the young fe behind his head, ¡°Stupid newbie,¡± he gimmicked. ¡°She was with Xander.¡±


    ¡°She wasn¡¯t with Xander,¡± Jackson said. ¡°I was. And Manny¡¯s right, she was scoutingst night.¡±


    He waited behind in the courtyard as the rest of the pack went in.


    ¡®¡­there¡¯s a traitor among,¡¯ Xander¡¯s words tracked back in his head.


    Jackson had always been loyal to Faye but he would die for his Alpha, Xander any day. He was keen on finding out who the traitor was. Xander had not revealed the person to him yet.


    He sat on the crevice of the fountain. He sniffed, ¡°Yeesh¡­ I stink,¡± he said.


    Staring into the green fields for a while. He took off his shirt, hung it on his back and dashed inside the house.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    Today kicked off with the prerequisite for the coronation. The pack would be distributed tasks to carry-out with the event nners.


    Xander was in the dining with Catherine sitting across him. She was reading a book hand.


    Xander banged his fists repeatedly to call out the pack, ¡°Alpha pack!¡¯


    Catherine¡¯s book fell off the table from her hand. She was pissed with the resonating vibrations.


    She picked up her book, ¡°can you be any less disruptive?¡± she asked.


    Xander ignored and kept it going till Manny came down with the pack.


    ¡°I¡¯m going upstairs,¡± she hissed.


    ¡°So goodbyes to your lessons then?¡± Xander said. ¡°And here I was thinking you were gonna be my Luna.¡±


    The pack started to gather round the table.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Jackson?¡± Manny asked an older beta.


    Thetter barely spoke with his teeth, ¡°He¡¯ll be here the event nner soon.¡±


    Catherine had no choice but to walk back to meet Xander. She didn¡¯t want to get this much attention, not mention what the painful bite she¡¯ll endure for the tethering ritual-she would be connected to Xander¡¯s sire link when she gets bitten by him.


    Jackson walked in with a female beta next to him. They hade with the event nning crew.


    ¡°Jackson, you¡¯re on monitoring duty,¡± Xander ordered. ¡°Get the preparations set up in an hour.¡±


    ¡°Alright boys, you heard the Alpha,¡± Jackson ordered. ¡°With me, let¡¯s go!¡±


    They got up with refreshments in their hand. Manny handed a young female staff his drink.


    ¡°Hi there,¡± Manny said smiling.


    She was coy for most of the time.


    Catherine couldn¡¯t seem but notice the female beta staring at her.


    ¡°And yes¡­ Catherine. Meet Sandra.¡± Xander said. ¡°She¡¯s new like Manny over there,¡± pointing to Manny who was flirting with an event staff. ¡°She¡¯ll get you started on the basics.¡±


    Sandra waved with a genuine smile, ¡°Hi Catherine.¡±


    ***


    After the pre-nning. The pack had a party out in the courtyard. Manny was with Shirley, the event staff. Jackson had gone on the usual search for Faye. The others just thought she was having an alone time somewhere in the woods. Xander and Catherine were the only ones who knew the reason for her absence.


    Manny was with the girl by the fountain.


    ¡°Let¡¯s dance with the others,¡± he suggested.


    ¡°No¡­ let¡¯s just sit here,¡± she said shyly. ¡°And besides I enjoy yourpany.¡±


    She let out a cute smile.


    ¡°Whatever Shirley wants. Shirley gets,¡± MannyI took her hands and locked in his fingers.


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t get cute with me,¡± she teased.


    Manny looked back at the house and saw the living room was empty.


    ¡°You wanna see cute,¡± he asked. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    He sneaked her behind the others partying and wilding out having fun.


    ***


    She was in her red lingerie on the mattress with pink petals all over. The sweet fragrance filled the air. She let out faint gasps when Xander grabbed her foot closer to him.


    Xander had his mouth jawed.


    ¡°I change my mind,¡± Catherine said. ¡°I want the bite on the hand.¡±


    ¡°Whatever,¡± Xander said.


    He pulled her close and slowly went for her left arm. She looked at him and hoped he would be gentle. Xander on the other-hand just wanted to get this over with as quick as possible.


    ¡°Will it hurt¡ª


    She squealed when his bite his sharp canines into her arm.


    He withdrew his teeth from the surface of her skin. He got up and tossed a napkin on her thighs.


    ¡®You still wanna get kinky?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Screw you,¡± She said cleaning the blood on her hand.


    He was more confident than ever now that the contract was sealed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go biting anyone. Your genes will kick in soon enough,¡± he warned. ¡°I will help with your first kill.¡±


    She was dumbfounded when he mentioned the words ¡®¡­first kill.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t want to part in killing anyone. Innocent or not.


    ¡°Earth to Catherine,¡± Xander snapped in her face.


    She wore here big shirt and joggers over the lingerie. She didn¡¯t mind Xander¡¯s criticizing look.


    She shrugged his shoulders and went out the door.


    ***


    She almost tripped down the stairs.


    ¡°Catherine!¡± Sandra yelled holding her back from the fall.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Catherine spaced out.


    ¡°¡­sandra,¡± Sandra said. ¡°From the morning¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh sorry¡­ I forgot your name,¡± Catherine pleaded. ¡°It¡¯s been a long day.¡±


    Truth be told, Catherine was really grateful it was Sandra and not Faye. Sandra was quite the opposite of Faye¡¯s condescending and murderous personality. She really hope she was being messed with again.


    They sat together and Catherine brought up the bedroom matter.


    ¡°Do you know what will happen¡­ after the bite?¡± Catherine asked.


    ¡°Your curse will be activated, Sandra said. ¡°You¡¯ll be linked to your Alpha, psychologically and all.¡±


    Catherine leaned back on the sofa and folded her legs to her chest.


    ¡°The killing bit though¡­¡± Catherine said.


    ¡°In the meantime just focus on you,¡± Sandra said. ¡°The time wille naturally.¡±


    Catherine thought to herself, ¡°¡­And by naturally you mean Xander offering up a human sacrifice for me to murder.¡±


    ***


    After the talk with Sandrast night. Xander proposed she go check out the human world for a bit. To hold somemon ground. Literally. A little form of normalcy was what Catherine needed away from the pack.


    She was walking the busy streets and reached her apartment block.


    Right next to her was a boutique. And she surprised to see him there too-Jack.


    ¡°This asshole,¡± She muttered.


    The girl with Jack was too familiar to be missed. Catherine got a nearer to them and saw the blond curls of her former best friend.

 Sharing ex

    They were the closest of friends. They shared everything together. Now exes? That was over the line. Mary was with Catherine during the sad breakup with Jack.


    Here she is now, hand in hand with Catherine¡¯s ex. They snuggled each other and giggled in their little matrimony. This is hard to watch.


    Catherine walked right into the boutique.


    ¡°Mary you bitch!¡± She yelled.


    It was just four of them in the shop, with the cashier included.


    Catherine¡¯s voice got everyone turning their face to her.


    Jack poised like the arrogant man he was. Mary was in awe. The cashier had her mped her hands over her mouth, she could sense the intensity in the room.


    Mary returned an outfit back on the line, ¡°Oh you¡¯re back Catherine?¡± she asked faking a smile.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Catherine dropped her bag on the ground and ran to where Catherine stood.


    ¡°You conniving-¡±


    Jack got in her way.


    He looked at the cashier, ¡°Call the security woman.¡±


    Catherine pushed him to the counter. Mary turned to run out back, and Catherine pulled her long curls from behind.


    ¡°Please Catherine calm down,¡± Mary begged.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Catherine grimaced.


    She pushed her on Jack.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ve had it with your jealousy,¡± Mary said.


    Mary tried to put her hands on Catherine. Catherine reacted quickly and smacked her across the face.


    ¡°Jealousy?!¡± Catherine groaned.


    Jack held Mary back.


    ¡°Leave!¡± Jack yelled. ¡°You crazy bitch.¡±


    Tears filled Catherine¡¯s eyes. ¡°I wish you the very fucking best!¡± Catherine scorned.


    She walked out smashing the door of the boutique hard.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    FLASHBACK


    She trimmed her fingers down Catherine¡¯s hair. Catherine looked up at the ceiling, tearing rippling down the sides of her face. She was deeply heartbroken tonight. The best person in her life turned out to be the worst. Jack left her broken that night.


    ¡°I should have seen iting,¡± Catherine cried.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t deserve a precious one like you,¡± Mary consoled.


    Elli couldn¡¯t hold back the heavy tears.


    Mary adjusted the pillow behind Catherine¡¯s head, ¡°Let it all out now¡­ wash away the thoughts of him.¡±


    ¡°Mary¡­ do you ever think I will be loved?¡± Catherine sniffled.


    Mary batted her eyebrows.


    ¡°Of course, you will,¡± Mary said lightening up Catherine¡¯s mood. ¡°Any man will be lucky to have someone like you in their life.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m the unlucky one,¡± Catherine whimpered.


    Mary snapped her fingers at Catherine, ¡°Don¡¯t ever say that again.¡± She went on wiping the tears on Catherine¡¯s face with her thumbs, ¡°As for Jack-


    ¡°Don¡¯t say his name,¡± Catherine grinned.


    Mary raised her hands in the air and lowered them slowly, ¡°Alright¡­ that Asshole will regret ever hurting you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Catherine let out a faintugh. ¡°Thank you for staying with me.¡±


    ¡°Always my pleasure girl,¡± Mary said with a wide smile.


    They embraced. This was thefort Catherine needed to mend her broken heart. ¡°You will find love again,¡± Catherine silently told herself over and over till she repressed the heartbreak memory.


    ¡°This wasn¡¯t working,¡± she let go of Mary.


    Catherine got up and grabbed her keys from the table.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Mary asked.


    Catherine opened the door, ¡°To find love again, even if I die finding it,¡± she grinned.


    ¡°You are talking with a shattered mind and heart,¡± Mary said.


    Mary got up and walked to take the eyes from her friend.


    Catherine wouldn¡¯t let go of the key. She pushed Mary in the process.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Catherine said.


    She walked out with her eyes dried with tears. She left the door open with Mary sitting on the ground in awe.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THE PRESENT


    Catherine didn¡¯t look back at the shop. Her emotions came rushing back in. She didn¡¯t want to give them the satisfaction.


    She held back her tears and sniffed, ¡°Not now.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t exchange pleasantries with the people that greeted her on the streets. Her voice trembled when she tried to speak. The day was bright but her heart was blighted with an unsettled mind.


    She stumbled into the middle of the road. A car almost hit her. ¡°Move it,dy,¡± the driver grunted.


    She got back on her feet and ran to the other side of the road.


    The indistinct chatter buzzed around her. She covered her ears and faced down the walk to her car.


    She got to her car. She stared at her sorrowful reflection, ¡°You are strong,¡± she said to herself.


    She got in her car and pulled out a mirror. She saw her sorry face and yelled, ¡°You are strong dammit!¡±


    The tears started and she covered her hands over her face.


    She let her hands down slowly. She grabbed a tissue from the safe and blew her nose.


    ¡°I need to back to my life with the pack. I am not fit for the mundane life anymore,¡± she thought to herself.


    She took a deep breath and started the engine.


    ***


    She drove past the scanty trees. The road was dark and gloomy. She stepped on the gas and the shes of the night were fading into her mind.


    ¡°I killed someone,¡± she muttered. ¡°-I will kill again to activate the curse. Willingly this time. It won¡¯t be an ident and we can¡¯t me it on the influence. I will be one of them-the pack.¡±


    The car was about to hit a speed bump, she stomped on the break.


    She saw the roof of the pack house from a short distance. She drove a few meters and she reached the gates.


    Jackson was driving out. He had an angry look on his face.


    ¡°I guess he didn¡¯t see me,¡± she thought.


    She parked outside and walked inside.


    The pack house was awfully quiet. The boys were not out on the fields or the barn. On nights like this, the pack would have set a bonfire outside. Friday nights.


    The courtyard was grim like a graveyard. She looked up at the balcony. On the left was Faye¡¯s room. In the middle and on the right was hers and Xander¡¯s.


    No one was up there. She dipped her hand in the fountain to feel something cold on her skin.


    She heard inaudible conversations from above,ing from Xander¡¯s quarters.


    Xander and Faye appeared on the balcony. They were having an argument, it was less heated than they always had.


    He was going back inside.


    Catherine looked up, and saw Faye pulling Xander back.


    Faye made eye contact with her, ¡°uh!¡± Catherine gasped.


    Faye pressed her lips on Xander¡¯s. Holding her hands behind his head. He wasn¡¯t pulling away quickly.


    Catherine watched in despair.

 Nightmare

    Xander pushed Faye to the banisters.


    ¡°What is up with you Faye?¡± He grimaced.


    He looks down from the balcony. Catherine was going inside.


    He heard her quick steps to the door. She mmed the door shut.


    Faye licked her lips and rose to her feet, ¡°She is not going to trust you anymore,¡± she said.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± he snapped.


    She stepped closer to him saying to his face, ¡°Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t want me.¡±


    He breathed on her face, ¡°You are nothing special to me, Faye.¡±


    She growled. She didn¡¯t spark the negative intrusion she intended.


    Xander left her on the balcony.


    She followed him from behind. He was out the door and so was she.


    She leaned on the closed door, ¡°How long till she realizes?¡±


    ¡°Realizes what?¡± he asked forcefully.


    ¡°She has to kill,¡± Faye snarled. ¡°She can¡¯t handle it. She¡¯s weak.¡±


    Xander scoffed, ¡°You know nothing, Faye.¡±


    Faye maintained a close watch when Xander strode down the stairs. He opened the door of the guestroom where he found Catherine.


    She was kneeling and sobbing on the carpet.


    Xander stood at the door, ¡°It¡¯s not what you think,¡± he said boldly.


    Catherine had cried enough. She didn¡¯t want to sulk over something she held no power to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about you and Faye,¡± she rubbed her eyes.


    Xander¡¯s eyes were less stricken.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What happened to you then?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You just stand there and demand all your questions to be answered,¡± she snapped. ¡°You want to know¡­ you really want to know?¡±


    ¡°I showed concern and you judge me for it,¡± Xander said. ¡°Just tell me.¡±


    She scratched the carpet with her fingers, fiddling with the texture, ¡°Ever thought of why betrayal alwayses from a friend¡­ a trusted person you once cared for?¡±


    Xander closed the door gently. Faye who crept behind the sofa grimaced to see her actionsid no hurt on Catherine. Something else did.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Mary is with him,¡± Catherine said. ¡°Jack still has a way to fuck with my life.¡±


    ¡°Catherine, that guy is a mindless human,¡± Xander scoffed. ¡°Just like the lot of them.¡±


    Catherine knew Xander wouldn¡¯t say soothing words or heart-touching words to please her. This was his way of being supportive. He couldn¡¯t be more empathetic.


    ¡°Xander¡­ did you ever love her?¡± Catherine asked.


    His forehead creased, ¡°Who¡­. Faye?¡±


    ¡°-the girl from that night,¡± she took her fingers off the carpet.


    ¡°We had just met and as heartless as it may sound¡­¡± Xander said. ¡°She was not my type, may her soul rest in peace.¡±


    ¡°You are kinda heartless,¡± Catherine chuckled.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s smiling to dark humor,¡± he teased.


    Faye was behind the door. She grumbled to herself, ¡°I know just what to do to you, Catherine.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    LATER THAT NIGHT


    Xander was fast asleep in his quarters. Catherine had her eyes peeled on the garden artwork on her walls. She heard the car honking outside. She got out to the balcony.


    The trunk of the car was open, and the coast was clear. No one was in the courtyard.


    She went down to check it out in her silky corset.


    The air was cold. She walked slowly to the car. Wolves howled in the distance. The sound drew nearer.


    She approached the trunk and saw Manny tied in ropes. She looked around to see if any wolves were around.


    Manny¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. ¡°He could get loose of the ropes with his immense strength,¡± she thought.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she asked with a low voice


    ¡°Wolf¡¯s bane,¡± Manny winced.


    She got him loose and helped him out of the trunk.


    The sounds of wolves panting were heard from the front, near the fountain.


    Shey on the ground t beneath the car. She shivered in fear.


    The wolves were two. Manny growled next to her.


    ¡°Stay quiet,¡± she cautioned.


    He growled again and this time was violent.


    She saw he had an ulterior intention in his eyes. The two wolves got on the roof of the car.


    ¡°Xander!¡± she yelled.


    She ran into the fields, and Manny and the wolves jumped after her.


    Her feet were weak and feeble. The wolves knocked her down.


    ¡°Manny¡­ please stop,¡± she begged.


    She looked over at the courtyard. She had her mind on Xandering to the rescue.


    Manny hovered her face. He was in his human form, unlike the other two wolves, drooling and howling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this,¡± she cried. ¡°Please don¡¯t¡±


    The two other wolves bit down hard on her legs. She wailed in agony.


    The pain coursed through her veins. It was intense.


    Manny drew a line of blood on her forehead. Her eyes were tainted with paints of red.


    Manny raised his long fingernails ready to sh out her throat. She instantly closed her eyes.


    ***


    Shey woke on her bead, drenched in sweat and agitating fearfully.


    It was all a nightmare. She looked out the window and it was still dark.


    ¡°Catherine are you okay,¡± Xander barged into her room.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± she whimpered.


    Xander clearly didn¡¯t understand what happened. He looked into her eyes and said, I heard your frightened scream and I ran in here as fast as I could.¡±


    He stood next to the bed and touched her face, she was reluctant at first, then leaned closer to trust him. He rubbed off the dark shade under her eyelids.


    His eyes squinted, ¡°Oh I see,¡± he rubbed his fingers together.


    ¡°I-I was attacked,¡± She fidgeted. ¡°They tore their teeth into my legs,¡± she burst into tears.¡±


    ¡°No you weren¡¯t,¡± Xander said boldly. ¡°Someone had you deterred with your mind.¡±


    He patted her back and rested her head slowly on the pillow.


    She sat up again, ¡°It was real!¡± She shrieked.


    ¡°An illusion,¡± Xander said. ¡°Someone must have tapped into your subconscious mind and deluded your thoughts while you were asleep. This is a very rare power in our pack, very few possess it.¡±


    ¡°Do you?¡± she sniffled.


    ¡°Sadly I don¡¯t¡­ but I¡¯m aware of the only two people who do,¡± His eyes darkened.


    This was a personal attack and Xander would see to the end of it.


    ***


    In her quarters she listened keenly to the walls of the next room. Faye pinned her ears on the wall. The pack house had thick walls built for privacy, but with extra effort, Faye could listen through the walls.


    She giggled manically, ¡°This is just the beginning Catherine.¡±

 Search party

    Last night¡¯s incident had Xander keeping watch on Catherine every minute. They had been in the room. She requested he bring her breakfast this fine morning.


    ¡°I can give a helping hand,¡± Xander said. ¡°But not literallye on Catherine,¡± he scoffed.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll go back to sleep now,¡± she yawned.


    He pulled the sheets off her body.


    ¡°Hey, what the hell?¡±


    ¡°Walk with me to the kitchen,¡± Xander requested. ¡°Maybe just maybe I¡¯ll help make breakfast.¡±


    Catherine got out of her corset and wore Xander¡¯s robe hanging on the door.


    ¡°I let you sleep in my room this once and now you use my favorite robe,¡± Xanderined.


    He had his arms akimbo. Catherine¡¯s eyes were half open and she walked dragging her flip-flops. She barely heard a thing he said.


    She itched her behind, ¡°Let¡¯s go already.¡±


    Xander guided her steps down the stairs. In the kitchen, Sandra had made a full breakfast meal for the whole lot in the house. She was setting the table when the pack came sniffing from out of their rooms.


    Xander and Catherine were early so they got served privately.


    ¡°Hey morning Catherine,¡± Sandra said with a dimpled smile. ¡°How¡¯d you sleep?¡± she asked.


    Xander spoke on behalf of unaware Catherine. This raised suspicions because Sandra was one of the two people in the house who could tamper with people¡¯s subconscious.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± Xander answered abruptly. ¡°We¡¯ll be having our breakfast upstairs.¡±


    Manny and two young wolves like himself rushed to the table to grab their tes.


    ¡°I call seconds,¡± one of the young wolves said raising his hand for Sandra to see.


    ¡°Toote Jamal,¡± Manny snorted.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Jamal asked.


    ¡°Because I already called seconds-sucker!¡± he grabbed thest dish from the table and ran into the guest room on the right.


    Manny made eye contact with Catherine as she went up the stairs with Xander. Catherine¡¯s eyes widened. ¡®¡­wolf¡¯s bane,¡¯ she thought of their odd encounter in the dreamst night.


    Manny smiled then his face fell to concern when he saw how baffled his future Luna was.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Manny asked looking over the bannisters.


    ¡°She¡¯s just tired,¡± Xander interjected pulling Catherine by her arm.


    ***


    Sandra knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Xander said. ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to knock right?¡±


    Sandra walked in. She saw Catherine outside on the balcony.


    ¡°Catherine has been weary all morning,¡± Sandra said worriedly. ¡°is she doing okay?¡±


    Xander grabbed the tray from her, ¡°Why don¡¯t you answer that?¡±


    Sandra squinted her eyes with utter confusion, ¡°I don¡¯t understand-


    ¡°-of course, you won¡¯t understand,¡± Xander grunted. ¡°You came here with Manny a month ago,¡± he directed Sandra to sit. ¡°I fed and clothed you. I made you one of us,¡± he sighed. ¡°I epted you as my family.¡±


    Sandra tried to speak but Xander ranted on, ¡°So tell me why you wouldn¡¯t tamper with your Luna¡¯s senses this instance?!¡± he yelled at her face.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± She swallowed. ¡°I don¡¯t even share a thought with Catherine. I couldn¡¯t even.¡±


    Xander realized she could be the least suspect. He thought about thest mind yer, the one and only Faye. She awkwardly appeared at his doorstep.


    Faye telepathically told Xander, ¡®You know I did it, whatchu gonna do about it?¡¯


    Xander made an impetuous rush to hit Faye.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± Catherine said back in the room.


    He held back his arm and growled at Faye. This was thest warning to Faye¡¯s begrudge.


    Sandra safely evacuated the room to avoid drama. Faye stood there like she posed a threat. Catherine put her palm on Xander¡¯s cheek and turned him away from Faye.


    ¡°She¡¯s not worth it,¡± Catherine said.


    Faye left the halls.


    ***


    The pack had gone out of the house to train on the fields. Jackson¡¯s car pulled over in the courtyard inches away from the water fountain. Catherine and Xander discussed looking at Jackson get out of the car on the balcony.


    ¡°You never mentioned¡­ What errand did you send Jackson?¡± Catherine asked. ¡°He¡¯s been gone for a while.¡±


    It was for confidential matters, he couldn¡¯t inform Catherine so he lied, ¡°He went to search for an artifact to coronate you with,¡± Xander said. ¡°You know how the traditions can be.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you looking at me when you say that?¡± Catherine asked looking at Xander¡¯s unsettled face.


    ¡°I just worry a lot,¡± he replied. ¡°Do you not worry at all about the coronation?¡±


    Catherine raised her hand over her eyes to shield her from the rising sun, ¡°There are a lot of things to be put in ce and I¡¯m worried about the new people I¡¯ll get to see,¡± She let out a sigh.


    ¡°You can go through with it,¡± Xander said.


    She patted his shoulders and teased, ¡°That¡¯s if I get to live that long.¡±


    Xander¡¯s face got all serious. She smiled and went back to the room. Jackson got back into his car when Xander signaled him-Faye was seen leaving the pack house grounds.


    ***


    Xander watched Jackson¡¯s car leave the gates. He turned back to go into his quarters. He took off his robes, ¡°Catherine hope you¡¯re not using my shower again,¡± he asked.


    The shower was on. He pulled the curtains but no one was there.


    He got back into his breeches and ran out of the room shirtless. He searched for Catherine around the house, every room, every corner.


    He stormed into the guest and ordered Manny to raise an rm. Catherine was missing.


    The whole pack started a search party and scattered about the premises.


    Jamal whistled to alert the others, he found Catherine staring idly at the pack mirror.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked and tried to touch her arm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Xander yelled. ¡°She¡¯s been hypnotized. Look into her eyes and fall into a trance. Don¡¯t take the risk.¡±


    The rest of the pack knew what to do. Jamal was the newest wolf and didn¡¯t realize you had to blow a leave of wolf¡¯s bane on the person to snap out of the hypnosis.


    Manny held the leaf shaking, ¡°It burns,¡± he said.


    ¡°Blow it and call her name,¡± An older beta ordered.


    He closed his eyes, turned to Catherine, and blew the leaf to her face, ¡°Catherine,¡± he said softly. Immediately Xander veiled the mirror with a cloak.


    Catherine copsed and fell into Xander¡¯s arms. He had quick reflexes.


    ***


    Catherine was resting in his quarters. She had a light fever. Sandra tended to her with herbs by her side. Xander walked back and forth in the room. The other wolves were outside the room hoping for Catherine¡¯s speedy recovery. Jackson was the exceptional one let into the room-he just arrived with Faye.


    Hitting his fist against his palm, ¡°How did this happen?¡± Xander asked.


    ¡°Unless someone invaded the premises,¡± Jackson replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that man,¡± Xander said. ¡°She hasn¡¯t transformed yet. The curse hasn¡¯t been activated in her yet,¡± he ran his fingers through his hair.


    Jackson came to a realization, ¡°She is still human,¡± he said.


    ¡°Only super-naturals can be affected by the mirror,¡± Xander groaned. ¡°How the hell did a mundane get drawn to it?¡±


    Faye and the others just passed the halls waiting for their Alpha toe out the door with news. Any news?Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Mirror

    It has been almost two days. Catherine was in a state of deep, prolonged unconsciousness. Xander was hell-bent on unfolding this predicament. The rest of the pack was dismissed, and Xander confided only in Jackson.


    Jackson came in and locked the door behind him.


    Xander leaned on the closet in his room where Catherine wasid indisposed, ¡°Is there something I am missing here?¡± Xander asked rubbing his chin with a stern look on his face.


    Jackson now had to wear a mask because the human world wouldn¡¯t perceive him as did the pack. It would be scornful looks and pitiful gestures, both he despised. He wouldn¡¯t put his face on disy anymore when he was around the humans.


    He made breathing noises when he spoke with the mask on, ¡°This is beyond us,¡± Jackson said.


    ¡°Any luck with the shaman?¡± Xander asked.


    Jackson itched his mask, ¡°It was a means to an end¡­ the human is her distant rtive. I got no word out of him,¡± he scoffed. ¡°Unfortunately he died of shock when I turned in front of him.¡±


    Xander would send Jackson to not only trail Faye¡¯s shadiness but to look into Catherine¡¯s past-way back into her past. Jackson would dig into it and uncover nothing versatile. The shaman was her second cousin, even Catherine knew no ties to him.


    ¡°We will go back together,¡± Xander ordered. ¡°That Jack¡­ he might know something.¡±


    ¡°Her ex skipped town,¡± Jackson breathed out.


    Xander folded his arms, ¡°And why is that?¡±


    ¡°I forced him to take me to the shaman actually,¡± Jackson said. ¡°He kinda saw me wolf out¡­¡±


    Xander shook his head, ¡°You got sloppy and let a human see your wolf form.¡±


    Jackson rubbed his palms, ¡°I can still track him but¡­¡±


    Xander raised a finger to stop him, ¡°Don¡¯t bother.¡±


    Jackson persisted with the heavy breaths under the mask.


    Xander couldn¡¯t stand the mask, ¡°Do you really have to wear that?¡± Xander asked. ¡°People don¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°Tell that to the humans,¡± Jackson grinned.


    ¡°Just put on a hoodie and take that mask off your face,¡± Xander said.


    Jackson pulled down the mask and let out a sigh, ¡°I don¡¯t have any hoodies,¡± he said.


    Xander opened his closet all annoyed, pulled out a ck hoodie, and threw it at Jackson, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Jackson walked out and put on the hoodie. Xander was about to step out the door, but he held the knob and turned back zed at Catherine¡¯s resting eyes on the bed, ¡°I will find answers,¡± Xander said.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    They got out of the car and Xander stopped to notice the mirror at the entrance. Manny and Jamal were strolling the courtyard. Xander got pissed for the disregard of the mirror he told them to restore in the attic two days ago.


    ¡°What is this still doing here?¡± he asked the young wolves by the fountain.


    ¡°Uh-uh¡­ sorry we forgot to move it Alpha,¡± Jamal said hesitantly.


    Xander closed the car door and walked up to Manny¡¯s face.


    ¡°Two days. It has been two days,¡± Xander said. ¡°Take it to the attic right now and stay with it. Don¡¯t leave the attic till I get back.¡±


    ¡°y-yes Alpha,¡± Manny stuttered.


    They hurriedly went to carry the mirror. The mirror was to be hoarded gently so as to not break or fall into pieces. They held it at both ends and marched for the attic.


    ¡°We won¡¯t be back till tomorrow,¡± Jackson chuckled. ¡°They might as well sleep in the attic.¡±


    Xander got in the car and Jackson started the engine.


    ***


    Faye came out of the restroom and saw the attic door open. She steadily approached the lowly voicesing from within.


    ¡°Watch your steps, bro,¡± Manny cautioned. ¡°Stop shaking and shit.¡±


    They carefully tilted the mirror down the stairway.


    ¡°I swear I felt a rat crawl over my boots,¡± Jamal defended.


    Faye was at the door. Jamal looked behind Manny and saw the curious red-head.


    ¡°Been a while since west saw you,¡± Jamal said.


    She folded her arms and leaned on the side of the door, ¡°Is it just me, or I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in this house?¡±


    Manny couldn¡¯t turn to look back, ¡°Faye?¡± he grimaced.


    Manny and Jamal got to thest step and slowly ced the mirror against the wall.


    ¡°You tell us¡­ you have been shady all week,¡± Manny said.


    Jamal jerked him by the side, ¡°Don¡¯t disrespect her man,¡± he muttered.


    Jamal didn¡¯t want to start a fight. Faye and her clique have messed with him once and he wasn¡¯t about to let Manny start a scuffle.


    She slowly walked down the stairs.


    ¡°You have quite the mouth on you boy,¡± She snarled. ¡°I¡¯ll ask again, what¡¯s been going on?¡±


    ¡°The Luna fell under hypnosis and¡­¡± Jamal blurted out.


    Manny remained silent with a strong face.


    ¡°Wait hold up,¡± Faye said making a stop on the stairs. ¡°Luna?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Catherine,¡± Jamal said.


    ¡°You call that human our Luna,¡± Sheughed. ¡°Go on¡­¡±


    ¡°She our Luna,¡± Manny hissed.


    Jamal gave him an impression of falling back. He put his arms on Manny¡¯s chest and said to Faye, ¡°Catherine has been unconscious for days now. The mirror was what drew the hypnosis. It really got her misced.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s news,¡± Faye smirked. She went back up the stairs to the hall, she had an evil grin, ¡°I guess someone else has it out for her too,¡± she said falling her hair to the back.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    LATER THAT NIGHT


    Catherine opened her eyes and her head was ringing with distorting memories. The images of the mirror shed in her eyes. The warmth in the room was ceasing. Her breaths were cold and her mind was heated. She rolled off the bed. She slowly rose from the ground and meandered about the room.


    The wind burst through the curtains. She went out of the room to the silent dark halls. The sounds of wolves snoring next door. She felt drawn to a presence.


    Sandra was asleep on the couch in the living room. Catherine dragged her feet and approached the attic. The door creaked open by itself. The lights of the room twitched continuously.


    Her steps were fatuous down the stairs. She almost stumbled into Manny and Jamal heavily asleep on the old sheets in the attic. The mirror was in the dark corner of the room.


    Her eyes would involuntarily close when she stepped closer to the mirror. Her eyes shut when she pulled over the veil on the mirror.


    She stood there mindless and captivated by an endless void in the mirror. She copsed and fell unconscious.

 Faye鈥檚 shadiness

    After a rpse, her eyes opened. She was back on the bed, tucked in tight to the sheets. Her strength was retained, she wasn¡¯t as idle and weak as she was a moment ago. It felt like she had slept the whole of yesterday. She looked to her left and the wind blew lightly on her face. The curtains were open and the sunlight was yellow and blooming. She looked to her right and the door was open ajar.


    Manny was outsideying on the ground. Sheughed at the way his head poked out the opening of the door. ¡°What are you doing,¡± She asked rubbing her eyes.


    The young beta got up to his feet fast. She stretched out her palm to call him forth. He entered admiring the room¡¯s d¨¦cor. He had never been inside his Alpha¡¯s quarters untilst night. In the daylight, the room was more enthralling.


    He itched behind his right ear and pocketed the other hand in his shorts, ¡°I was keeping watch outside,¡± He said nervously. ¡°I saw you passed out in the basement¡­ I mean attic.¡±


    ¡°You have got cobwebs on your hair,¡± Catherine pointed.


    He dusts his hair with his hands and notices herughing at him


    She mped her hands over her mouth, ¡°I¡¯m just kidding Manny,¡± She teased. ¡°I am really grateful. Thank you for helping mest night.¡±


    He walks back to the door, ¡°Yeah¡­ anytime,¡± he smiled. Please don¡¯t tell Xander you saw me here. He¡¯s mad at us enough as it is.¡±


    She lopsided her head, ¡°Us?¡± she asked.


    Jamal peeps from the door, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    Manny pushes Jamal¡¯s head back outside. He waved Catherine goodbye, ¡°We gotta go now,¡± he chuckled nervously. ¡°The mirror is not gonna guard itself-


    Jamal said behind the door, ¡°Today¡¯s sure no fun.¡±


    ¡°What day is it?¡± she asked curiously. ¡°We didn¡¯t hold the bonfire yesterday.¡±


    Manny holds the door, ¡°It¡¯s Tuesday¡­ I think,¡± he checks his phone, ¡°Yes Tuesday. Friday was a few days ago and we didn¡¯t hold the bonfire.¡±


    She looked down at the end of the mattress. She was perplexed by how time had passed. Manny left and shut the door lightly.


    ¡°Last one to the attic is the pack¡¯s bitch,¡± Jamal said running down the hall. Manny joined him.


    ¡°Guarding the attic?¡± She thought to herself. The whole incident wasing to an under-whelm. She tried not to think of it.


    Catherine listened to their heavy quick steps down the hall.


    Sheid her head back and rested.


    ***


    Xander was back with Jackson. Jackson left him at the entrance.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to meet up with Sandra at the barn house,¡± he said giving Xander the car keys.


    Xander opened the door and surveyed the room. It was tidy and oddly quiet.


    The maid was washing the dishes in the kitchen.


    Faye appeared behind the door when he pushed to lock it.


    ¡°What do you want now?¡± he grunted.


    He sat on the sofa watching the furnace. Faye pranced and sat next to him. She tried to put her hand around his neck.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a prude,¡± she said. ¡°You think I don¡¯t have a hold over you but I do.¡±


    Xander got up to leave, ¡°I¡¯m not doing all this again.¡±


    Faye held back his left arm, ¡°I will tell them this time.¡±


    Xander sat on the arm of the sofa. He clearly understood what she meant, ¡°Tell them what?¡± He snorted and pulled his arm away from her grip


    He was hoping she hadn¡¯t gone to b to the pack about affairs tracing back to Catherine. It would be a problem if the pack lost trust in their Alpha. If there¡¯s no trust, no influence. If there¡¯s no influence then all is lost.


    ¡°The pack will learn of your misdeeds,¡± Faye snarled. ¡°Make me Luna. You know I deserve it.¡±


    ¡°You deserve nothing,¡± Xander said.


    The maid in the kitchen set the dishes and watched Fayepletely be a nuisance.


    Faye gave her an ill look, ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky,¡± She warned.


    Xander was not going to have Faye ruin his reputation by revealing such a heavy burden. The burden from many nights ago out on the road in the woods. A dead female wolfy bare next to another who slowly regenerated from his wounds and bruises.


    Faye gave Xander onest bold look, ¡°If you don¡¯t act fast,..¡± She said. ¡°I¡¯ll see to the end of your reign in a week top.¡±


    Xander got up to confront, ¡°Believe what you may,¡± he said.


    ***


    Xander tails Faye when she leaves the pack house unannounced to her wolves. It wouldn¡¯t be a first when a wolf observed Faye¡¯s shadiness.


    Jackson went out a day ago but never came back. Xander was worried. It would stille as a shock to know whoever Faye hung out with outside the house.


    ¡°She wasn¡¯t ever cool with the others unless it was wreaking havoc,¡± Xander thought. She had never been always bitter. And now she wouldn¡¯t stop trying to have a killer motive against Catherine.


    Faye pulled over at a stop sign a few meters away from Pack House. If the distance was that short she still drove her car. Xander parked right next to an inconspicuous tree.


    She got out of her car and walked a straight path into the bushes. Xander maintained a high profile stealth, steadily following her into the woods.


    ¡°Hey there you,¡± a guy came and popped up halfway through the walk on the path. Xander immediately climbs up a tree.


    The guy looked awfully familiar. Xander lowered a branch to get a better view.


    ¡°An omega wolf,¡± Xander muttered to himself.


    He realized Faye was a greater traitor than he imagined.


    ***


    Xander was home. It was hard to process seeing Faye with the enemies. ¡°She has gone rouge,¡± he said taking a deep breath.


    Xander pulled the curtains to get Catherine¡¯s attention.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Catherine asked.


    Xander stares out the window, ¡°We need to fake your death,¡± he said. ¡°This can¡¯t go on anymore.¡±


    She threw her arms in the air, ¡°You don¡¯t just do these sort of thing¨C


    ¡°Of course we can. And we will,¡± Xander interjected. ¡°It is for your safety or you¡¯d rather suffer the fate of Faye¡¯s scheme?¡±


    Catherine moved to the edge of the bed to face Xander, ¡°We can rile up the pack and defend ourselves,¡± she said.


    ¡°That¡¯s pointless,¡± Xander said. ¡°Innocent lives will be lost for nothing.¡±


    Catherine got up and shielded herself from the cold breeze of the midday.


    Xander turned to face her, ¡°Do you trust me,¡± he asked.


    Catherine dropped her palms in the air, ¡°I don¡¯t get to have that choice.¡±


    ***


    The wolf pack was all in the courtyard. They had beers and barbeque in the open. Manny and Jamal jugged down beer pongs. Sandra eased them to slow down.


    Sandra collected the cups from their hands, ¡°That¡¯s enough for tonight,¡± she said kindly.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Jamal was tipsy but could identify a bloodied Alpha when he saw one.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± he yelled dropping a bottle. It broke into shards on the ground.


    Xander was walking with his clothes in rags. His face, hands, and chest were revealed from an open shirt covered in blood.


    They rushed to him. Faye was on the balcony watching.


    Sandra got to Xander first, ¡°What happened?¡¯ she asked.


    Xander dropped to his knees andmented, ¡°W-we went hiking in the woods this evening. Drew and his pack jumped us when we were far away from the house where our voices couldn¡¯t be heard. I told her to run.¡±


    Xander winced, ¡°I fought off many. Hell, I even killed his betas¡­ but he got to Catherine first. I found her blood all over. I know her scent and this was a lot. Xander buried his face in his palms, ¡°Her body was taken by the enemy,¡± he lowered his head to the concrete pavement.


    The whole pack circled him with sad eyes and the rage to avenge their Luna that never reigned.


    Faye smiled and wondered if this was too good to be true. The news of Catherine dying was a joy to her heart. This will be her time. Finally to be Luna of the pack.

 She will be missed

    The rain started in the midday. The blood slowly washed down his face. Xander¡¯s darting eyes looked sidelong at a wizened face. He stood in the rain and ignored the pack around him.


    ¡°Xandere inside,¡± Sandra suggested.


    She ced her arm over his shoulders. He wasn¡¯tplying to move an inch.


    An older beta riled up a few wolves including Manny and Jamal, ¡°Boys let¡¯s go back to the woods and find her body,¡± he ordered. Xander¡¯s eyes were stricken, ¡°You shall do no such thing Eric,¡± Xander snapped.


    They were eager to search for Catherine¡¯s body but Xander was strongly against it. He wouldn¡¯t want them to find someone who wasn¡¯t missing.


    ¡°It would be hard to find a scent in the wet soil anyway.¡±


    ¡°Maybe tomorrow?¡¯ Eric asked. ¡°Her scent will be fresh in the air.¡±


    Xander grabbed Eric and pushed him against the fountain, ¡°Are you deaf beta?¡± he groaned.


    Eric submitted himself on the ground, ¡°No Alpha,¡± he said.


    ¡°You dare not disregard your alpha,¡± he pinned Eric¡¯s head against the crevice.


    The rest of the pack held their ground not to intervene.


    ¡°And that goes for the rest of you,¡± Xander said.


    He let go of Eric and went inside. The pack followed him from behind, their clothes dripping with water under the light bulb of the entrance door.


    Manny tried to help Eric up but the older beta didn¡¯t want to look weak.


    ¡°Let go of me,¡± Eric grunted.


    Manny kept his hands to himself and walked in with the others.


    Sandra and Jamal stopped at the entrance where the roofing covered them from the rain.


    Her hair dripped off the water, she held out his cold hands and said, ¡°I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s dead.¡±


    Jamal ced his head on her shoulder and kissed her on the cheek, ¡°She¡¯ll be missed.¡±


    They took off their wet jackets and changed in the cloakroom.


    ***


    The pack gathered in the living room all cozy in their sweaters and warm clothing, Xander was in his quarters, he needed his alone time. They shared a moment to pay tribute to Catherine. She had a ce in their hearts as their predestined Luna, but she is no more. Faye was seated next to Eric, across from Manny.


    Sandra and Jamal started off at the center of the room.


    ¡°We will pay our proper respects to the Alpha atter times,¡± Jamal said. ¡°But now we can at least say a thing or two about her. To honor her untimely demise.¡±


    Sandra carried a small basket filled with petals to pass around, ¡°Anyone who wishes to speak and pay their respects, take this,¡± she gestured. ¡°And toss it in the fire after.¡±


    The older betas took turns expressing how Catherine was kind to them and alwaysmended them for the littlest of things. They appreciated those little things.


    Faye got up from her sofa, ¡°You all are doing the most,¡± she said curtly. ¡°She was never one of us.¡±


    The pack just murmured and stared at one another. Manny cleared his throat, ¡°I¡¯m next,¡± he said.


    The pack settled and the noise dispersed lowly. Manny walked up to the firece and raised his petal for Faye to see, ¡°In her short time with us¡­¡± he paused.


    ¡°This is so stupid,¡± Faye snarled. She rolled her eyes at Manny and went up the stairs.


    ¡°The Alpha wishes to be alone,¡± Sandra called to Faye.


    Faye kept walking and going up the stairs.


    Eric folded his arms and rested his back to detesting Manny, ¡°Carry on kid,¡± he snorted.


    ¡°-I¡¯ve witnessed the love of a mother, a sister, and a dear friend. She was going to be our Luna. She may be a human who found her way into our ranks somehow, but she wanted to be one of us, one in the family. She was a werewolf just like us¡­ but sadly she was taken so soon.¡± He lowered the hand holding the petal, ¡°She will be missed.¡± He tossed the petal into the fire.


    Everyone took a brief moment of silence as the embers burned in the furnace.


    ***


    His n had worked. The next phase was to secure Catherine in her failsafe. He stood on the balcony looking over the fields and into the top of the tall pine trees. Deep into those woods, far deeper than the pack had discovered, Catherine was in an underground basement quiet and thriving.


    Xander left the balcony when he heard footsteps approaching his door. He reached for the door before Faye could turn the knob.


    He was light-minded and could barely handle Faye¡¯s demeanor. She let herself into his quarters.


    ¡°What do you want now?¡± Xander asked


    Faye made herselffortable in his sheets. He took her by the arm, ¡°Get up and leave,¡± He said.


    As much as he tried to be polite and less violent, Faye was bothersome.


    She ran her fingers on his grip, he wasn¡¯t having it.


    ¡°I want you,¡± She aggressively pulled him to the bed.


    Xander was too weak to give in. She hoisted her waist on his girdle and pressed a kiss on his neck.


    ¡°Faye that¡¯s enough,¡± Xander said holding her shoulders.


    She was resisting. She set him apart on the bed and undid his buttons with her mouth down to the brim. He managed to free his hands, and she pulled her shirt, revealing her braless bosoms.


    She pressed his face on her chest. Xander held her waist, muffling under his breath, ¡°You have gone-


    ¡°-crazy!¡± he withdrew and pushed her off the bed. Shended on the carpet and giggled, ¡°You wanted to actually do it.¡±


    Xander stood on the mattress and threw her shirt at her face. He hopped down from the mattress, making a loud thud on the floor.


    Faye crawled back unnervingly. He was irritated by the stunt she pulled. His strength wouldn¡¯t fail him now, Faye got up and leaned on his closet half naked.


    She kept her hands behind her. He grabbed her quickly by the legs. ¡°Xander I know you want me,¡± she said. ¡°She¡¯s gone and I am all for you.¡±


    He dragged her on the carpet. He opened the door and held her leg with the other hand, she kicked at him erratically. He dragged her out of the room.


    He shut the door before he could rush back in. She banged the door.


    ¡°I will hurt you really bad Faye,¡± He warned. ¡°Just stay out.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She stopped banging on the door. She picked up her shirt from the hallway floor, ¡°You can¡¯t even if you tried,¡± she smirked and left.


    ***


    At dawn, when the pack were deep in their sleep their Alpha was alone in his quarters. Faye snuck out of the pack house without making a sound. She walked the silent courtyard in her breeches and crop top, on the phone with someone, ¡°I couldn¡¯t pick up in my room,¡± she groaned. ¡°Ears are listening.¡±


    ¡°The beta¡­ Jackson, he has been taken care of,¡± the caller said.


    She stopped at the flowing fountain. She sat on the crevice, ¡°Did you take out the human too?¡± she asked. ¡°No,¡± the caller replied. She got off the phone and smiled.


    ¡°There is something not adding up,¡± she said to herself tapping her fingers on the crevice.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    THE CORONATION DAY


    Xander was on the balcony looking down at the guests, packs from different parts. They came bearing gifts. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to call off the event.


    There was a knock on his door.


    ¡°Xander, the Lakeview pack is requesting to see you,¡± Sandra said behind the door.


    Xander walked to the door and opened it slightly, ¡°This was all a misunderstanding,¡± he said. ¡°I haven¡¯t dered anyone next in line.¡±


    ¡°What should I tell them?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Just call it off,¡± he sighed. ¡°I am not choosing a new mate or anything.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Sandra nodded.


    Faye watched Sandra leave Xander¡¯s door from down the hall.

 Mating must go on

    Sandra waited outside the hall. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to make a statement before the council of elders from the strongest pack, the Lakeview. She wanted to prove to Xander she could hold her own, but sadly she was too nice for this world.


    She opened the doors and all eyes were on her. She felt a slight tug from behind, ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here,¡± Xander said softly into her ears. She felt less depraved and exited the room with emotional relief.


    The Lakeview pack had five wolves who were once alphas of their own pack. A female Alpha was in their midst. They are the supreme wolves, the council elders. From every cardinal and the center, they wore shrill turquoise trench coats and grim expressions on their faces. They spoke their words boldly, letting off a smoldering intensity.


    ¡°Young Marion¡­ you finally show your face,¡± An elder seated in the middle of the council said sternly. ¡°We are yet to see your supposed mate.¡±


    ¡°Not to mention histeness my supreme,¡± the female elder scoffed.


    Xander stepped forward till he reached the center of the hall, ¡°Cmity struck us at a rare point in time,¡± he cleared his throat, ¡°a rogue attack was made on our grounds.¡± The crowd gasped in awareness of a shocking discovery. He pointed out the window, ¡°a mile from this manor.¡±


    His throne seat and that of his mate was set on a pedestal for everyone to see.


    ¡°Our condolences,¡± the female elder said.


    ¡°That is unfortunate, but¡­¡± The supreme elder sighed, ¡°¡­the mating must go on.¡±


    Xander made a few steps back with shaky breaths, ¡°I seek retribution for the killing of my mate.¡± Xander hit his chest severally, ¡°I hold drew of the Omega pack responsible. This was not his first attack, but I deem it hisst.¡±


    ¡°You will deem nothing,¡± The supreme elder ordered. ¡°Drew of the Omega pack has been disbanded from the Werewolf society a month ago.¡± The supreme went on, ¡°Shortly after the death of his daughter, he went on a rampage and we had no choice but to let him go. So anything you wish to do is under ourmand.¡±


    ¡°I will make him suffer,¡± Xander said.


    ¡°That will be a matter ofter discussion,¡± the female elder said. ¡°This is a coronation, not a condemnation, present a mate before the end of the day or your right to the throne will be stripped away.¡±


    ¡°Xander Marion, your reputation precedes,¡± The supreme said. ¡°Don¡¯t disappoint us.¡±


    The council elders dismissed the gathering and adjourned to an evening of the day.


    They bought the story, but how can I hold out till the end of today?


    Xander felt a burden being lifted off his chest when he came out of the hall.


    Faye caught him by surprise, ¡°You look agitated and worried,¡± She said.


    ¡°What do you want Faye?¡± he asked with a grimace.


    ¡°I know you lied,¡± she said. ¡°I saw it in your eyes.¡±


    ¡°Believe what you may,¡± Xander said.


    Xander shrugged her off but she persisted and followed him. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid Xander?¡± She asked boldly.


    ¡°No surprise there,¡± he grinned.


    ¡°You are hiding something, Xander,¡± She said. ¡°Everybody believes your little lie but I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You are sick Faye,¡± Xander snapped. ¡°You are sick in the freaking head.¡±


    She stood in his way and looked him dead in the eyes, ¡°She is alive isn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°You are by far the most delusional werewolf I¡¯ve met and trust me I¡¯ve met many,¡± Xander scoffed. ¡°You have no respect for the dead Faye Meade.¡±


    ¡°I will find her,¡± she snorted. ¡°In whatever hole you hid her.¡±


    ¡°Good luck,¡± He waved in her face and walked away.


    She railed on behind him, ¡°You never loved her,¡± she groaned. ¡°It was all for show. A silly act.¡±


    Xander was not in the mood. He went straight to his room and locked the door behind him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Faye wouldn¡¯t give it a rest. She pondered in her thoughts.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    HOURS LATER


    The council was eager to see who Xander brought forth. He walked into the halls with a gant stride. The elders had their hands mped together in silence.


    ¡°Honorable council it is with great respect I tell you this,¡± Xander inhaled. ¡°I will not-


    ¡°Xander Marion hold your peace,¡± The female interjected. ¡°The supreme will like Faye Meade toe forward.¡±


    Faye came up from the crowd. She stood right next to Xander before the council of elders.


    ¡°The Alpha would not meet our decision with haste,¡± the female elder said. ¡°We concluded on his behalf tofort his loss.¡±


    ¡°My elder I do not wish to have-


    ¡°Silence!¡± an elder ordered. ¡°Your wishes do not matter here.¡±


    ¡°If the Alpha is inclined to oppose the betrothal¡­,¡± the female elder drew back. ¡°It would be deemed a fair decision. And he shall thereby be stripped of his rights as a worthy Alpha.¡±


    Xander consented to having Faye as his Luna. His hand was indirectly forced and this was the only way he could withhold his power even if it meant tolerating Faye for the rest of his days.


    This traitorous bitch.


    Faye nced at Xander, ¡°Till death do us part.¡±


    ***


    The supreme rose up and the seated crowd arose in likeness. ¡°Merry from now till your final days, Alpha Xander Marion, and Luna Faye Meade,¡± heuded.


    The crowd of wolves from the Alpha pack and others from distant parts of the region jeered and cheered.


    Xander and Faye were dressed in courtelle garments. On the pedestal where they sat next to each other, gifts were presented and blessed. Xander was under the guise of conformity. He wanted to leave here this instant and reach out to Catherine.


    The young betas from their pack came bearing gifts, ¡°The best is yet toe,¡± Sandra said with Jamal by her side. Manny was next in line with some of the older Betas in the Alpha pack.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Faye smiled, cing her hand on Xander¡¯s. He tried pulling away slowly but she held on tightly.


    Now that Faye is Luna and has an acute interest in Catherine¡¯s disappearance, it would be really difficult to check up on Catherine on the outside. I hope she is safe. For now.


    Xander smiled to his mate with a pretense of a passion. They looked happy together but would do something as despicable as murder to each other.

 Being ungrateful

    The minute the guests began to leave, Xander¡¯s face switched up. He left Faye with the Lunas of some other packs discussing. She notices and tries to follow him. He sees hering behind him.


    He gave her a scornful look. She portrayed a fake face nubile. Xander said nothing when she started, ¡°We are at a crossroads Xander,¡± Faye said. ¡°There¡¯s no shutting anyone out. Just answer me this,¡± She sighs, ¡°Is she alive?¡±


    Xander didn¡¯t give her the pleasure of making eye contact. He walked out on her.


    Catherine must be wondering what the hell is going on about now. I promise to meet her before nightfall. It is gettingte.


    Xander was in a hole-and-corner intrigue.


    Faye clenched her fist at Xander¡¯s crudeness. She wouldn¡¯t want to make a scene her first day Luna of the pack. She maintained her state of mind and returned back to the other Lunas. She watched him leave the door in a rush.


    Xander ran into Eric in the courtyard. They were by the fountain, the memory of the Alpha striking down his beta was not to be missed.


    Eric brought out his palm for a handshake, ¡°Congrattions Alpha,¡± he smiled nervously.


    Xander patted him cordially on the shoulder, ¡°Thank you, we¡¯ll talkter.¡±


    He proceeded to leave when Eric asked, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Jackson around in a while¡­ I just thought to know if he was okay.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    TWO WEEKS AGO


    Jackson and Xander were in collusion to look into Faye. They had just gotten back from the human world from their investigations of Catherine¡¯s past which was to no avail.


    ¡°You see her leaving the gates,¡± Xander pointed out the car. ¡°She must have been sneaking out right under our noses.¡±


    ¡°I can follow her and track down what she¡¯s on to,¡± Jackson suggested. ¡°I will get close.¡±


    Xander cautioned, ¡°Don¡¯t be in a hurry just yet,¡± Xander said. ¡°I don¡¯t want you getting caught in her web Jackson.¡±


    ¡°I will keep a close right here in the pack house,¡± Jackson said confidently.


    ¡°When the time is right, I¡¯ll give you the order,¡± Xander said. ¡°Justy off her for the meantime.¡±


    ***


    Xander was on the balcony with Catherine and Jackson pulled over in the courtyard. Faye walked out of the house conspicuously in anger. Apparently, she had just confronted Xander and Catherine but somehow ended up in a tight spot.


    Jackson signaled Xander on the balcony. Xander beckoned and approved the search. Xander and Jackson had been in ord since days before, ¡°You know what you¡¯re signing up for,¡± Xander said keenly, ¡°Try to be a survivor and not a victim.¡±


    ¡°I can defend against all odds,¡± Jacksons said assuredly. ¡°Trust me on this Alpha.¡±


    ¡°If you are not back before the coronation, I¡¯ll see it as your demise,¡± Xander said with a brazen tone. ¡°Jackson survives. Come back to Eric and the pack.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    PRESENT


    Xander looked at Eric and was short of truthful words, ¡°Jackson will be back soon enough,¡± he let out a brief smile. Eric was relieved to hear that, ¡°Okay,¡± he nodded. ¡°For a second I thought he was missing.¡±


    Xander patted him one more time and left. He had walked out of the courtyard and turned back to look upon Eric¡¯s face. He filled his beta with false hope. Xander thought of his words again, ¡®Jackson will be back soon enough,¡¯ a misconception birthed from deception.


    He always had no reason to lie to his pack. Times were changing and he had to deal with putting the people first. The purpose was good but the people were valuable. More valuable than the cause that he wouldn¡¯t dare hurt them.


    I hope this is all worth it in the end. Sacrifices can¡¯t be for nothing.


    ***


    Xander was in the woods that night. He had made it out of the coronation travesty. He searched around for Catherine in the spot they agreed she¡¯d stay.


    He coos as he walks about the pine trees. He waited to hear the slightest response or reaction from her.


    He walks further in between the clustered trees. He coos again. Finally, he heard a sound, a morous uproar from a shed.


    Why is she yelling?


    Xander found Catherine was puzzled about why she wailed like she was in a scare. He reached to touch her. She had crouched her body on the ground, she flinched to his touch.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this,¡± Xander said. ¡°You have to move from here. Far away¡­ maybe back to your world and your promised riches.¡±


    ¡°You are so centered on your fulfilments,¡± She said. ¡°It¡¯s not just the money Xander. I have a life I can¡¯t just be bought.¡±


    ¡°You are talking like we never agreed on this,¡± Xander said. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t have much time. We don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°You just want to throw the cash at me for my service right? She asked furiously. ¡°A job well done. Your services were well appreciated right?¡¯


    ¡°I am literally busting my ass to be here right now. And you are-¡°, he sighed. ¡°-you are being an ungrateful bitch.¡±


    ¡°Ungrateful!¡± she shrieked.


    ¡°I saved you from going to jail. You criminal,¡± he snapped. ¡°A flick of my wrist and you¡¯ll be behind bars Catherine Brown. You¡¯ll still be a washed-up dropout pulling lowly shifts at a fucking liquor store or something.¡±


    Tears had filled her eyes. She was torn apart by his words.


    I was nothing. He said I was special but it¡¯s all a big lie. I never meant anything to him and I¡¯ll never mean anything to a rich arrogant supernatural. What was I thinking? I need to run away and save myself from this debacle.


    ***


    Xander watched her slowly leaving the shed. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked boldly.


    She turned away and started running.


    Xander picked up the pace and ran after her, ¡°Hey!¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He should be back at the pack house about but finding Catherine was already as difficult as it is.


    It was easy for her to vanish into the wilderness at night. He didn¡¯t catch a scent of her. He walked aimlessly yelling her name.


    It would be bad if anyone who wasn¡¯t me found Catherine first.

 Alpha鈥檚 in danger

    ¡°Catherine!¡± Xander yelled. ¡°You don¡¯t have to run and hidee on out.¡±


    It was a fruitless search in the woods that night. His vain attempt to restrain Catherine. She had to stray away from his path. He wasn¡¯t trustworthy and certainly not the savior she thought him to be.


    Xander¡¯s mind wanders about. He couldn¡¯t find her. And it was getting really dark. Eric and the others woulde searching for their Alpha and might stumble into Catherine.


    Where the hell are you? It¡¯s a matter of time before the betase looking for me.


    The bulk of his worries was if Faye hadn¡¯t trailed him behind. It would be bad for both he and Catherine. His title would be revoked and Catherine-Catherine won¡¯t survive in this supernatural world on her own. It was already overwhelming as it was.


    Xander stepped off five paces from the pine tree and advanced in a series of jumps. The branches were mighty high and he caught a familiar scent mid-flight. Hended on the wrong footing and broke off a branch. He hit the ground. The fall didn¡¯t cause him quite the damage.


    Faye appeared hovering in the trees. She crouched still on a branch. The moment Xander exited the manor, Faye had set off behind him. She had managed to dismiss the guests that held her busy. Darkness fell on her eyes.


    I knew he was up to no good.


    It became known to her that Catherine was alive from Xander¡¯s squalling.


    ¡°I will rip the human apart when he finds her,¡± She smirked.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    BACK AT THE MANOR (PACKHOUSE)


    Thest of the guests were leaving. Sandra and Jamal were on hosting duty, they took their time to bid farewells at the gate. The minute thest car drove away, Sandra fell into Jamal¡¯s arms.


    Her eyes were tired and weary, ¡°I have never felt this kinda in a long-long time,¡± She winced.


    Jamal put his arms over her head and turned her to walk back to the courtyard.


    ¡°Where did all the werewolf strength go?¡± He teased.


    ¡°You barely attended to the guests,¡± she said curtly.


    ¡°Chill babe¡­ I was pulling a lot of weight outside while a lot of honorable wolves feasted inside,¡± he scoffed.


    Sandra fell silent with a frown.


    ¡°Hey-heye on you¡¯re not mad at me are you?¡± He asked. ¡°To be honest, you pulled the most weight. I didn¡¯t sound fair.¡±


    ¡°d you realized that,¡± She said with a grin. ¡°By the way¡­ I haven¡¯t seen the betrothed all night.¡±


    They reached the fountain, a few steps away from the entrance. The light on the balcony gleamed on their faces.


    ¡°Eric mentioned he saw Xander out here by the fountain,¡± Jamal said. ¡°The two did make history right here on the crevice,¡±ughed and pointed.


    Sandra jerked him by the side, ¡°Don¡¯t be silly,¡± she snapped. ¡°I¡¯m serious. The Alpha might be in danger.¡±


    ¡°The Alpha is a big boy,¡± Jamal chuckled and stomped his foot on the doorstep. ¡°He can take care of himself-and Faye¡­¡±


    Sandra stopped Jamal¡¯s hand as he turned the knob, ¡°Faye is not who you think she is,¡± she uttered sternly.


    She knew Jamal was submissive to Faye. She never once told him about what she felt about that, but tonight was a good start.


    ¡°Babe let¡¯s just go in and have the sofa to ourselves,¡± He yawned. ¡°Manny has his girl Shirley over in the room. And besides Catherine isn¡¯t around to sleepwalk on us having-


    ¡°-you are not listening,¡± she cried out meekly.


    Jamal opened the door and they pulled away from each other¡¯s arms. She walked in after him, and he waited to close the door behind him.


    Sandra arched her body on the sofa waiting for a response from Jamal.


    Jamal leaned back on the door and exhaled lightly.


    ¡°Faye is a leader,¡± he said boldly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to like her.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like what you are saying at all,¡± Sandra said. ¡°Totally a different context.¡± She rose up from the sofa to face him.


    Jamal folded his arms and stepped forward. He had never had this conversation with her but they were heated in it.


    ¡°I am sired to her okay? I will forever be loyal,¡± he grunted. ¡°Oh and please enlighten me on your context since mine isn¡¯t clear enough.¡±


    ¡°Jackson told me all about it,¡± She groaned. ¡°And now for some reason, he¡¯s missing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had it with you, Sandra,¡± he grimaced. ¡°Jackson this. Jackson that. I¡¯m d he¡¯s gone missing.¡±


    She pped him across the face, ¡°My brother will be back,¡± she said with a shaky voice.


    She walked away leaving disgruntled Jamal holding his hand to his face.


    The floorboards creaked, and Jamal saw Manny sneaking Shirley down the stairs.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    IN THE WOODS


    ¡°Catherine! Where are you?¡± he hollered. He progressed when he instantly caught her distinct scent, it wasvender. He tapped into his deeper consciousness and perceived Catherine¡¯s pheromones. It was unlike Faye¡¯s intensity. Stronger.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Xander made a stop when he heard misced movements behind him.


    Someone is following me. I have to change routes so they won¡¯t lead to Catherine.


    He bent down and lowered to touch the ground. He dug his hand into the earth to collect dirt.


    Faye was cautious and persistent. She saw him scouting tracks on the ground.


    He¡¯s found the human tracks. It won¡¯t be long before I strike.


    Xander made a move on. He picked up the pace in a more sleek and agile manner. He cut through the air.


    Faye jumped towards the next branch to follow from behind.


    She held her ground and lost sight of him. Sneaky bastard.


    ***


    Faye jumped down to the spot where Xander vanished. ¡°He must have taken a different route, how did I not see iting?¡± she asked herself.


    The winds fell in brief silence. She could hear the owls hooting but there was something else. Closer, about to strike. She felt a presence behind her. She steadied her form.


    Her eye color transitioned. Her fingernails extended to sharp ws. She growled and was ready for what dared to attack her in the night.


    Thetter growled back at her.

 Fight!

    In the snare of night, she was prone to attack. She jolted afoot at the tree in front of her and turned over her body to the presence behind her. Xander crossed his arms above his head to shield the attack. She leaped off him and assumed an attitude of surrender.


    ¡°What are you actually doing here?¡± Xander dropped down his hands and inched forward.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You are quick to ask questions,¡± she tossed her hair over her shoulder. ¡°I can ask you the same thing too, Xander.¡±


    ¡°You followed me, didn¡¯t you?¡± he said. ¡°Just when I thought you had stopped being obsessive,¡± he pped his palm over his face and groaned. ¡°Back off Faye. Just back the fuck off.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t point your fingers at me,¡± she furrowed. ¡°I know what you are doing. You have been acting suspicious and I am going to get to the root of it. Whoever it is you are protecting¡­¡± she turned to look around the bushes. ¡°I will find out Xander. And trust me when I do, I will-


    ¡°Save the threats, Faye,¡± he jerked away. ¡°I wish you could be more in your mind as you are on the outside.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t hide her for long Xander,¡± Faye snarled. ¡°I know she¡¯s alive. Be it up north or down south, I will find her and kill her myself.¡±


    She turned back to the wind blowing at her face. She took her eyes off Xander this once to pick a trail of Catherine and she heard him whisper, ¡®There is no time for this.¡¯


    Xander had vanished after his words. She searched high on the tree branches. She ran fast, low on the ground. He was gone. She could not trace him anywhere.


    He got away from me.


    ***


    She headed back to the lonely narrow road to the Manor. After a forlorn attempt one more time chasing the wind. Dust on her boots. She tied her shirt around her waist. Her ck top was spot in the night. She felt a surge in the light. Her body felt struck by a mild vibration. She heard silent and broken words in her head. She listened to the orders. Like an olddy telling a bedtime story to her.


    She crawled up the gates when she saw Manny in the opposite direction with an unlikely familiar face. She felt angry to see Shirley. She had opposed Xander once for letting them beyond the gates at the ceremony. And now a beta had brought her in beyond the walls for the second time.


    ¡°He snuck her in,¡± Faye grimaced. ¡°So unlucky, she wouldn¡¯t be leaving here alive.¡±


    Manny walked Shirley to the Car parked by the gate.


    ¡°You know I can just sleep over right?¡± Shirley opened the door of the car.


    ¡°And risk getting you out at daylight?¡± Manny held the door for her to go in. ¡°No, that¡¯s a hard pass girl,¡± he shook his head. Shirley lowered her head first into the car, carefully cing her legs on the foot mat.


    ¡°Yeah you¡¯re right,¡± she rubbed her lips.


    ¡°I wanna see your cute little face another time,¡± he opened the door wide and leaned close to thumb her chin. ¡°Maybe next time, I wille over and we can do this sneaky link thing again,¡± he smiled.


    He stepped back and closed the car door lightly. He dropped his arms folded on the window pane and prodded his head.


    She rested her back to the seat, ¡°As good as that sounds-


    ¡°There¡¯s a BUT isn¡¯t there?¡± Manny turned his head down.


    She raised his head high to kiss his lips. Manny¡¯s eyes lit. She withdrew and pushed a finger to his lips, ¡°We can hang out. Not at yours,¡± she nced at the fountain-head down the fields. ¡°Not at mine, just anywhere else. It¡¯s outside, tons of ces we can go, to be free with ourselves.¡±


    ¡°I would like that,¡± he crossed his legs on the door panel. ¡°Okay, so let me just check outside the gates. I will be right back,¡± he smacked his lips and pushed back a foot from her.


    He made a quick run to scout the gates. Xander wasn¡¯t around and the only wolf he hadn¡¯t seen was Faye. He made a detour around the gates for any unexpected appearances. He hastened his time walking down the road outside the Manor.


    Shirley dropped down the front mirror. It was fuzzy from the cold air. She unhooked it and rubbed her fingers over it. She raised it up to see her face. She saw another face behind the car seat. She had thought of it to be a smudge on the mirror ss.


    She had caught sudden fright. She didn¡¯t look behind her. She looked out of the window. She wanted to yell at the top of her voice, but she rxed her mind and checked the mirror again. She saw no face behind her just an empty backseat.


    She hung it back up. She adjusted the clinch and looking into the mirror a red-haired woman sprung out from behind her. Faye covered Shirley¡¯s mouth. The muffled screaming could not travel far to meet Manny outside.


    Faye let go of her for a second. Shirley gasped for breath. A metal strip zip tie came over Shirley¡¯s neck. Shirley tried to grab onto it before it cut through her neck. It slipped through the witch¡¯s fingers. Faye pulled on both ends tightly.


    The metal strip sizzled through Shirley¡¯s neck. Shirley¡¯s blood rained down her neck and down to her polka dot mini dress. Shirley made onest look into the side mirror directing at the gate. There was no sigh on Manny. Faye pulled hard and the strip sawed through Shirley¡¯s neck.


    Faye left the metal strip in the car. Shirley¡¯s severed head toppled to her thighs. Faye was out of the backseat and faded into the shady corners of the gate. Manny walked back into the gates. He strutted to the side of the car.


    He tried to make a slight scare at his girl. Unaware of him, she was dead. He was caught by the scare of his life.

 Rogues?

    Manny was gone for only a minute. He lifted her dead body out the car with tears flowing down his eyes. He looked back into the car and gently took her head and ced it next to the carcass. His senses heightened, tension running high he ran and jumped over the gates. Hended on his feet and looked leftwards of the road with green eyes. He got Shirley¡¯s scent off the person.


    Those Goddamn Rogues.


    Outside the manor, a slim figure walked careful steps towards Manny. Manny didn¡¯t mind if a threat was posed he ran and growled to the person. The face appeared with scarlet long hair. He lurched at her face, but she dodged the attack.


    ¡°Faye?¡± his fingernails slowly receded. ¡°Some rogues attacked and-¡±


    ¡°Stop, stop, stop,¡± She sighed. ¡°You didn¡¯t see any rogues, it was me.¡±


    She was more confident and wanted to hurt. Hurt something. Manny was an easy pick. She came to the pack house thinking of Xander¡¯s words, ¡®¡­keep to your word.¡¯ Her words meant nothing, She wasn¡¯t about to bleed in the woods all for the sake of trying to hurt Catherine. She would put up a fight but Xander woulde out the victor.


    She had just walked into the courtyard when she saw Manny and Shirley sneaking out on the fields. Witches-she despised so much. She had seen Shirley with the event nning crew-the pack never minded the coven showing up but Faye always gave them nasty looks.


    She took her frustration on the little couple. They were walking really slow, which gave her time to open the gate slightly to creak, obviously to distract Manny.


    He went ahead to check it out. Faye got in the driver¡¯s seat. Shirley was colored and confused. ¡°What are you-¡±


    The poor girl couldn¡¯t cast a spell to save her life. Faye had swung a stainless steel zip over Shirley¡¯s head. She reached for the door to unlock. With the intense choking and pressure, her screams wouldn¡¯t be heard just the faintest gasp.


    Faye squeezed and pulled tightly. Her strength made the zip line cut through with a clean slit. Shirley¡¯s blood sttered on Faye¡¯s hair. She had severed the witch¡¯s head and left it tiling to the back.


    She was stealthy as she slid out of the car. Manny turned his back and walked back to his car to check on his girl. He had thought to frighten Shirley with a light tap on her side of the ss. He got a real scare when he found her detached head.


    ***


    ¡°How could you do this? He shrieked


    ¡°Way to show respect for your Luna,¡± she snarled.


    ¡°Damn you and damn your freaking title!¡± he yelled. He charged at her with his ws.


    She blocked his hands and kicked him in the torso. Who was he kidding? To take on Faye he would be broken and left for dead.


    He was willed but enough toy a scratch on Faye. The least he did was a missed kick that brushed her hair. He wasn¡¯t backing down after she wed deep into his back and severely shed to his sides.


    He came at her again. She kicked him back to the ground, ¡°You will learn to stay down where you belong Beta.¡±


    He crawls up slowly, ¡°You bitch-¡±


    She stomps her foot on his head against the cold concrete, ¡°Learn the hard way.¡±


    He¡¯s bruised and bloodied. His face barely had smooth skin anymore. Faye took out her anger on one of Xander¡¯s most trusted.


    Lights shed at the gates. A wolf was on night duty. Quick, Faye left Manny on the ground close to hisst breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Shirley,¡± Manny wheezed. The spot heid was painted red with his blood.


    ¡°Manny!¡± he ran to his side.


    ¡°Eric,¡± Manny moaned.


    ¡°What the hell? Did the rogues get to-¡±


    Manny passed out cold. Eric lifts him carefully from the ground and helps him into the Manor.


    The rm red. The wolves were put that night. They were dispatched all over the area in search of rogues to hunt down. Jamal and Sandra were with Manny in the recovery room. His healing was slow for the young beta he was.


    They noticed the Alpha and Luna were missing for an awful long time. The pack was not bothered by their absence at first, seeming they should have a well-spent alone time on their grand night. Many new spots by the water banks but thekes were cid and quiet.


    The pack resorted to sending a two-man search party for their Alpha and Luna. Faye never showed her face. Knowing fully well Manny won¡¯t say a word she just kept away from the others.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A CONDO DEEP IN THE WOODS


    ¡°Wh-where am I?¡± She opened her eyes to a new light. It was bright where the bellflowers bloomed. Her legs were clean down to her feet. She was amused by his effort but didn¡¯t want to even take a look at him. Although he was out on the porch staring at the trees, he spoke as if she was near him, ¡°Last night was¡­ It was not what I wanted to happen.¡±


    She walked barefoot in the condo. Fruits and other treats were avable for her pleasure. She had not taken a look at what she was wearing-a white courtelle gown just above her ankles. Xander walked in on her, ¡°Catherine, I want us to talk.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    She shrugged him off. He fluttered his arms and pulled her back, ¡°So you don¡¯t want to talk to me now is that it¡± he scoffed. Her mouth set a hard line, and she raised her nose in the air, ¡°You say WANT like everyone just has to do it because you said so,¡± she grunted. ¡°I am not one of your siblings or whatever. You are not special to me.¡±


    ¡°Special? You think I give a shit about being special to you,¡± he sneered.


    She pulled out her hand from him. And looked away.


    ¡°I am not doing this with you,¡± she said sternly. ¡°Just make your end of the deal, I did my part.¡±


    He walks up to her front demanding she listens to him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit, Last night was crazy,¡± he held up his arm to keep her from walking away. ¡°Okay, okay¡­ I¡¯ll fulfill my promise.¡±


    ¡°Again, and again, I¡¯ll tell you it doesn¡¯t matter how many times you try,¡± She red at him. ¡°Your words mean nothing to me, Xander Marion.¡±


    ¡°Of course it does,¡± he snapped. ¡°I am willing to give you a new start, yet you prove stubborn and call me arrogant and selfish.¡±


    She thrashed the bowl of fruits on the table, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be in your life,¡± she wailed. ¡°Thest thing I want is to be a werewolf.¡±


    She scaled her hands through her hair in frustration, ¡°-yes my life sucks. And yes I may not be as valuable as you see yourself. I will appreciate it if you let me go back in peace and with my needs met¡­ just as the contract stated.¡±


    Xander sighed and walked her out of the condo. He had a car waiting outside-a taxi just like in her familiar bustling streets of New York City.


    She got in the taxi. Xander kept his hands behind him and stood with a bold face watching the car drive away. She didn¡¯t look back at him. She wanted to get her normal life, normal problems, and normal people.

 Big Bad Wolf

    She had closed her eyes to enter a deep sleep and awoke in her former reality. Everything was gradual with meager tensions, although could be life-threatening but not on a daily. Her lonely way of life was termed her normal way of life. Post-Jack.


    Her apartment was as hollow as her state of mind. She crashed on the bed after a tiresome ride from thend of husky and fiery men and women alike. She wanted her extant and in ambiance.


    She was shocked to see her nts still green and alive. Odd, she thought. A note wasid in her drawer next to her bed. It was neatly folded in a brown envelope, sealed with a paw.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Oh, how surprising from The Big Bad Wolf.


    She peeled the seal and opened the letter. The sun was scorching the note, she pulled down the curtains and sat across her pillow. The letter read;


    Dear Catherine


    However, this may find you, in your deepest of hearts. You were a target on my back for a time, an option to center my ws and iniquities. I regret my unthoughtful actions. I came to realize I paid attention to how situations affected me and not how it put our life at risk, severally. The only that binds us is the memory of us, and also the ceremonial night we shared. It is your choice toplete thest stages of being a werewolf, life-changing as it is, there are coping mechanisms. The bite has left you victim to a prable mind and distressed body. Despite that, you showed your strengths in weaknesses. Weck intimacy and do not share anything mutual, but I give you this, the promise I fulfilled; if you look back on your drawer is an underlying note where a check has been written in your name. To settle for your losses and to seal the Luna Contract between us.


    P. S.: The Big Bad Wolf Will Never Forget Catherine.


    She squeezed the note after confirming the check was right there. She tossed the note in the trashcan on her way to the bank. ¡°I have to get back to my life, so here I am getting started,¡± She muttered silently to herself on the streets. The bank was a block down from her apartment, she would cash in immediately to clear her outstanding debts and loans.


    ***


    Three weeks had passed and she was merry in her new mboyant life. Not bothered about paying the next rent for the first time. She was back to redo her final thesis in college. She was close to the conclusion and would turn it in the next morning. That night, she had nned a date with Finley a transfer student in her ss.


    She took a cab home. She arrived at her apartment building looking bleak and unloved, unaltered by the city lights. She would be moving out by the end of the week. She went up the stairs searching her bag for her keys. She heard a loud thud in from her room.


    She dropped her bag when she met the door of her room open. Her heart was racing, her blood pumped intensively through her veins. She trembled as she took the next step towards the invader. Xander rubbed off a bit of zing confidence on her.


    She took hermp and tiptoed behind a hooded person rummaging through her closet. Two feet away from the intruder, she steadied and swung themp on their head. It broke on thetter, and that instant theynded face-first to the ground.


    She took off the hood and turned the intruder over. The blonde curled over her darkened eyes, she had wrinkles on her edges. Thest time she saw Mary, it was an unconventional confrontation with her ex.


    ***


    Momentster Mary¡¯s eyes glistened from the reflection of the shlight Catherine pointed in her face. She had Mary zip-tied to her bed stand. Mary screamed like a victim when she saw Catherine hovering above her.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Catherine snapped. She pricked Mary hard on the cheek.


    Catherine¡¯s phone buzzed on the bed. Finley called. She would have to rain-check because of the absurd break-in..


    ¡°Ow, what gives?¡±


    ¡°You ask that? You crazy bitch!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think Catherine please listen-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not listening to any word from your traitorous mouth.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you-I¡¯ll tell you,¡± Mary begged.


    ¡°Tell me what?¡±


    Someone knocked on the door. Catherine had to cover Mary with her sheets. She looked through the door-hole and saw a tall-skinned Finley with bloodlust eyes.


    She stepped back slowly and tripped on a shoe. Shushing Mary as she fell over her. It was like she imagined when Xander depicted the appearance of a typical bloodsucker. She had just met this fe. Unlucky for her, Xander¡¯s influence had attracted his enemies to her. She is once again a target on his back.

 Blood sucker

    Another terror of the night. She was baffled by the grievous encounter with a bloodsucker. Finley was dear and kind, not a creature with teeth bare and an axe to grind. She held on to the one unbothered and misunderstood. She cried tied in a rope with a piece of cloth stuffed in her mouth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make a sound,¡± Catherine yelped. She slowly plucks out the saliva-drenched cloth from Mary¡¯s mouth.


    This was bad. Very bad.


    ¡°Let me go,¡± Mary pleaded. ¡°I swear I only broke in because-¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter right now,¡± Catherine said with her eyes darkened with a shallow depth of angst.


    Mary grew confused by the second. She nced at the door and back at Catherine¡¯s pale face. Her former friend just wanted nothing more than to barge out the door and make a run for the expected danger. The danger was at the only exit.


    The entrance and terminal are blocked.


    ¡°What does?¡± Mary asked. Her eyes were opened with a craving sense of rity, ¡°Is there any threat outside your door?¡±


    ¡°Stay here,¡± Catherine cautioned Mary. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a second. Do not move a muscle.¡±


    Catherine went into the kitchen and came out with arge knife. The baseball bat rolled under the bed, she bent over and handed it to Mary. Although she knew better than to defend herself against a bloodsucker with a butcher knife. It was worth the try, better to strike first than not.


    ¡°I will have to move,¡± Mary out of the loosened ropes. ¡°If there¡¯s someone out there, then I¡¯ll stick by you. They had their backs against the wall with the defensive agents at hand, staring at the door for something to happen. Catherine was scared to the bone but a little bit of her wanted to face the bloodsucker head-on.


    Faye was her greatest fear. It took a lifetime of hiding and seeking to avoid that female demon. She had evaded that predicament and not to challenge a foe of the Alpha pack.


    Mary interlocked her free hand with Catherine¡¯s. A tearful side-eye they gave each other.


    ¡°Whatever happens,¡± Catherine gulped with a sliver of hope for anyone to show up. Someone to just take the pain away. Literally, for Finley to munch on and leave her be.


    ¡°Stupid, stupid human. You don¡¯t even want to know,¡± Finley grinned.


    He was at the other side of the door but his presence out there had filled the room with anguish and despair only Catherine could portray.


    The door creaked and slowly dropped till it made a loud thud on the velvet carpet. The dusty carpet blew out dust into their nostrils and dust that clouded the room with an unclear sight, an altered vision.


    Catherine was moments away from having her throat ripped out or worse, sucked out dry by the man the man she thought would never make her cry.


    ¡°I would have done you out on the cold streets,¡± Finley dashed to her side. His breaths were hot and reeked of dread and something dead. ¡°Wry my dear. Wry in your misfortune.¡±


    Her hands unconsciously dropped the knife from her hand. Mary was not with the bat, she wasn¡¯t leaning against the wall. She was t down on the ground trembling.


    ¡°Just let me have one thing,¡± Catherine closed her eyes. ¡°Please let her go.¡±


    Finley ced his cold dead hands on her neck.


    ¡°I will relish this¡­ I care for no life you puny human.¡±


    Thest words she was familiar with from a time she never came back from. She opened her eyes and saw a furry beast growling on the fallen door. Its ws scratched down on the hard piece of wood.


    In a split of a second. The wolf had charged at the bloodsucker, Catherine was hopeful and fell to her knees that instant. Her distraction, the unlucky attention driven away from her.


    She couldn¡¯t make an effort to help Mary from the carpet floor. Catherine was already helpless as she was. The bloodsucker and wolf were at it,nding a hard blow on each other. The bloodsucker was swift but the velvet carpet was stained with the blood of the pale slender creature.


    Finley retreated and smashed through Catherine¡¯s window. The wolf had set to go after him but stopped and looked back at Catherine¡¯s eyes. Her eyes shone bright in the night sky. The moon¡¯s essence beamed into the room. Beholding their presence as heavenly bodies.


    ¡°Catherine what the hell?¡± Mary winced gripping Catherine tight.


    She was stunned by the things she had seen that night of nights. The wolf steadily approached them. Its silhouette on the wall slowly transformed into a human. A bare man with raven dark hair, the body of a demi-god, and a handsome boldface. The features Catherine had known all too well.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Xander,¡± she uttered softly.


    Catherine rose to him, Mary¡¯s grip fell off when she passed out to the ground. Catherine clung to her friend¡¯s weary body. Former friend.


    Xander halted a few feet in front of Catherine and unconscious Mary. He tilted his head to the side, his face so emotionless but wild with a heroic notion. His ws and hairs receded. He returned to the in-built human structure fully.


    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t have happened,¡± he spoke with regret.


    He was a sight to never take the eyes off but Catherine stared deep into his eyes and said, ¡°Leave and nevere back.¡±


    ¡°You and I know that¡¯s the one thing you don¡¯t want Catherine.¡±


    ¡°I need you out of my life for good. Just go. Please.¡±


    She gently ced Mary on her bed. Xander walked to Catherine and opened his arms out to hold her.


    ¡°I will take you-¡±


    ¡°Never! I will never go back,¡± she interrupted with a heightened emotion.


    ¡°I will take you somewhere¡­ safe and heavily guarded.¡±


    His eyes weren¡¯t kidding. She stepped back till her heel hit the wall. He stretched to hold her, she turned away to run for the door. He took her by the waist and hoisted her on his shoulders.


    ¡°No! Please no!¡± She cried.


    She struggled but he had ced her in his care whether she liked it or not.


    He walked out the door with Catherine on his shoulders. Down the stairs they went, they went out on the cold street. It was a cold y of emotions, having to forcefully put her in the trunk of his car. He was out naked on the road, she yelled but there seemed to be no one to hear or help. He got in the driver¡¯s seat and muttered, ¡°I am doing this for your good Catherine.¡±


    He drove off along the streetlights.

 Middle of nowhere

    She hated to deny the sweet fragrance of the perfume oil cans packed next to her in the trunk. The typical trunk was the mildly toxic engine smells, intolerable edges, and sides of spare parts sticking out with the roughages. Xander was the goal-driven alpha with the men shed no tears attitude but he had his soft spots which made him quite the clean freak and uptight gentleman.


    She was free to shift and turn her body with ease in the confined little trunk space, except by stretching her limbs. He didn¡¯t bring himself to tie her up or gag her with a cloth when he dropped her in. It was a smooth drive for what was an hour-long drive for Catherine.


    ¡°Mary would be awake and less whelmed about now,¡± Catherine thought. She all crawled up to a side thinking of a logical reason why Mary would break into her apartment. Theirsting meeting didn¡¯t go so well, guess that exins a motive.


    She was now less worried about Mary¡¯s well-being despite the weird urrence earlier. She kicked the end of the backseat facing the trunk. A fuss like this to get Xander to pull over is futile. As stubborn as he is, he couldn¡¯t care less for her nagging. Her safety was his priority.


    Surprisingly he pulled over. Catherine was puzzled for a brief moment. She heard the car door open and steps followed down to the trunk.


    He opened the trunk.


    ¡°Screaming won¡¯t do you any-¡±


    She screamed at the top of her voice. He just stared at her like she was making a fool of herself. She lowered her voice when she realized the sounds surrounding them were the echoes of her high-pitched screams.


    ¡°Good,¡± he gave a hand to help her out.


    She was reluctant and he was in no mood to persuade with the faintest smile.


    ¡°Unless you want me to carry you again,¡± he warned.


    She wanted toe out on her own terms. They both stared at each other for a little while, he kept his hand back in his side pocket and made a step back for her toe forward.


    ¡°You have a thing for putting people in danger,¡± she said and came out cautiously. ¡°Me, putting me in danger.¡±


    He sighed and shut the trunk when she was outpletely. She expected a word out of him. He walked up front to lock the door of the car.


    ¡°We are in the middle of nowhere,¡± she looked at the absence of buildings or structures that depicted civilization. It was all white oak trees and v-shaped valleys.


    He just ignored her frowning and began walking up to a valley. In the back of his mind, he knew she had no choice but to follow him.


    ¡°Listen up to you, I¡¯m not doing this again,¡± she pushed his back. It barely altered his trajectory.


    She was annoyed and ran and stopped in front to block his way.


    ¡°I am not messing around Xander,¡± she said with a grim face. She picked up a stone and was ready to smash it at his face.


    He folded his arms and looked over her shoulder, nodding his head forward for her to look behind her. The safe haven from before she left the first time. Where theyy siege from the hands of Faye and potential foes.


    The garden outlets were still blooming in essence. It was just as she had left it. All the exotic of the green. The green on the roof, porch, and walls lined with long veiny nts.


    ¡°Here on out, this is all we have got,¡± he gently spoke to the side of her left ear. She turned away from him and proceeded inside.


    ***


    Situations had reversed. She had barely conversed with Xander and he wanted answers to his questions. The loud thunder made a rift with the start of every talk.


    ¡°I thought I taught you better,¡± he sneered. ¡°You let a bloodsucking vermin into your life, merely costing you your actual life.¡±


    Catherine sat on a couch next to a small spaced furnace. Her eyes were dim by his words. Sheid back and closed her eyes. She drew a nket over her face.


    ¡°This is literally life and death,¡± he pulled over the nket.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Her eyes were shut. She was caught in a quick slumber. Xander was pissed but he was not about to wake her up all of a sudden. If he hadn¡¯t shown up at her ce as he intended, it would have been a murder case to people of her world.


    A bloody scene.


    He carried her in his arms and walked up the wooden floorboard steps. The bed was furnished with mahogany stands and fluffy sheets of soft wool.


    ***A Week Ago***


    The vicinity of the campus was as silent as a graveyard. She had just left her part-time ss that only a few attend on Sundays. The grey sky was upon her walking towards her car in the parking lot next to other empty spaces for other cars.


    She dropped her keys and got down to pick them up. Footsteps were heard from a distance close to her left towards thewn.


    ¡°Who is there?¡± she said under her breath rising from the ground, her keys in her hand. A fast breeze blew behind her. She turned to her ss window. In the reflection was her face alone.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± she gasped and quickly got into her car to drive. She reversed into the free space and made her way forward leftwards thewn. A few meters and she would reach the gates to make her exit.


    She could see a blurry figure speeding fast in her side mirror. It was hard to define what person or worse, creature it was. She got her eyes back on the road.


    ¡°Wait wait,¡± he cautioned, waving his hands in the air.


    She almost hit a slender young man in sses. She stepped on the breaks and made less of an impact to endanger the man¡¯s life. He tumbled on the ground and rolled to the curb.


    She got out of the car. She looked around if there was someone else, someone dangerous, someone not human perhaps. She guessed her instincts were wrong and rushed to help the young man from the ground.


    He had no scratches, bruises, or blisters on the skin. He was up on his feet before she reached him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡­ I thought you were hurt,¡± she said stunned by his sudden recovery.


    She looked down and his feet were his sses were left with broken lenses. He it from the ground and wore it on his face like nothing happened, dusting the dirt off his shirt.


    She nced up at him. He smiled with a quirky face. She had seen him in the sses earlier but he left earlier than anyone. It was a surprise toe across his path.


    ¡°Oh my god I¡¯m really sorry-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡±


    He proceeded for a handshake and smiled, revealing the whitened sparkle of his beautiful set of teeth. He had an almost admirable build of Xander and the curly summer hair of her Jack.


    ¡°I¡¯m Finley,¡± he said eloquently with a voice soothing to the ears.


    ¡°Catherine,¡± she said. It appears she had found her distraction from all her problems in a person.


    ***PRESENT***


    She rolled around in the sheets. The room was filled with colorful delights just as she remembered. The flowers stuck on the ceiling forming a central pattern. The only dull color that dimmed the room was Xander.


    He sat in a corner, his legs crossed and patiently waiting for her to utter her first words.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a creep,¡± she threw a pillow at him.


    ¡°Now that you are awake. I need my rest,¡± he picked up the pillow in front of his feet andid on the cushioned stretcher next to the window, where the sun came in.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a pack to watch over?¡±


    ¡°My alpha pack or not, I choose when I act. And right now I don¡¯t want to act.¡±

 Monster under beautiful skin

    Since the incident with Finley, her nights have been unpleasantly weing mares. Xander was always away in the woods at nightfall, observing the perimeter. Taking long strolls, sometimes watching from the top tree. He wouldter appear in front of her in the morning, on a chair across the room with his huskiness and endearing eye-rolling.


    It was one of those nights. Her mind traveled back to the day her car broke down at noon and Finley offered her a lift home. They made a stop at the flower shop.


    He got out of the car and walked to her side of the door.


    ¡°How long can you keep ady waiting?¡± she teased.


    ¡°It depends on what she¡¯s waiting for,¡± he smirked. ¡°And besides ady looks best unbothered, unaltered, unfiltered. If that¡¯s waiting, I might do that for the longest of time.¡±


    ¡°You just might be wrong there,¡± she squinted.


    ¡°Oh is that so?¡± his forehead creased with aid down smile. ¡°We will see about that Catherine. We will see.¡±


    She waited in the car enjoying the warmth in the streets. The way he walked, patting his curly blond hair to the side and returning it the hand to his waist. He pushes up his sses with a finger whenever he looks over at someone. His dull-colored texture three-piece suit with a subtle demeanor was his look on most days.


    He came out with a bouquet of buttercups. She smiled at him through the window, he returned a smile. It was a gesture she hadn¡¯t received in a while. He strolled to the seat behind her and put the flowers in the back. Her face flushed with the impression the bouquet was meant for her but he failed to mention which kept her curious. She thought it bad to ask.


    He got in the driver¡¯s seat and started the engine. She turned her face away. Gazing out the window watching the young and old walking in and out of the tall buildings. The gift shops, candy stores, and supermarkets; were the ces she hadn¡¯t stepped a foot on their blocks. She wanted someone to share these moments with but was unsure of Finley¡¯s intentions about her.


    Their conversation ended when he got out to get the flowers. He had reached her block.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make a stop right here,¡± she pointed to her apartment building with a nk face.


    He pulled over next to a fire hydrant, turned the keys to switch off the engine, and stared at the street till he let out a breath.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    She put her hand on the door lock to open and leave.


    ¡°These are for you,¡± he handed her the bouquet from the back. ¡°It was worth the wait. The hold on the conversation I mean.¡±


    He tilted his head and smiled. She let go of the lock. She folded her arms and turned to him raising a brow.


    ¡°I should have run you over the day we met,¡± she smiled biting her lips. ¡°Lucky for you, I¡¯m a sucker for quirky men.¡±


    He moved his left arm over her seat and leaned close to ce the other hand on the door lock. She raised up the buttercups from his head to pave the way to her face.


    ¡°I know this should have been sooner¡­ but the flower might as well make up for a dateter,¡± he said. ¡°Dinner by 7?¡±


    ¡°ttering but I don¡¯t think so,¡± she pulled back from him. She ced her hand on his and unlocked the door. ¡°I really appreciate what you did for me today-um and also the flowers much,¡± she blew a kiss from her lips to her palm away.


    The air from outside the car blew fresh on her face. Her eyes widened to breathe in the fresh air. He admired her hair swaying from side to side.


    She got out of the car and closed the door. The road was wet so she made careful and mesmerizing steps with her slip-ons. He watched her and drove slowly next to her. She nced from the sidewalk till she reached the steps of the door to her apartment building.


    He shed his lights to get her attention.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way you can look this beautiful without consequences,¡± he said.


    She stopped to look back at his glimmering eyes. She thought of how alone she would beter in the day without anyoneing by or any ces to go.


    ¡°7 pm it is,¡± she sighed.


    He red his horn in amusement at her response. He drove away blowing out a fake kiss of his own too. Muah.


    ***


    She could never imagine hisst words to be real. A threat in disguise, he was a monster under a beautiful skin. If Xander hadn¡¯te to her rescue she might as well be a rotten corpse in her apartment and be having a post-mortem right about now.


    ***


    He stands up from the chair in the corner of the room. His voice wasn¡¯t with the usual hostility.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way in hell you are still thinking of him.¡±


    She raised her back and sat straight on the bed.


    ¡°I thought you said you couldn¡¯t read mind,¡± she scoffed. ¡°Was that a lie too?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do the reading of minds Catherine,¡± he said sternly smacking one pal openly on the other.


    ¡°You just expect me to believe you. Again and again with false words,¡± she snarled and kicked a pillow to the ground.


    He crouched to pick up the pillow and tossed it back to her on the bed.


    ¡°It was obvious from your constant daydreaming and whatever you muttered to yourself at night,¡± he said. ¡°And of course, it wasn¡¯t a lie. I just feel it, your face says it all Catherine.¡±


    He rubs his palms on his thighs and turns around slowly. He faces her and pockets his hands in his grey corduroys.


    ¡°What do you mean daydreaming? I am well aware of what¡¯s around me,¡± she said. ¡°For instance, you are a big bad liar. Your words are facies and your promises are nothing but shit.¡± She spits on the sheets in anger.


    ¡°You space out at random. When I bring you food and sometimes I¡¯ll be around talking to you and it¡¯s like your body is here but your mind is trapped somewhere else,¡± he said. ¡°Be angry at me all you want. I am the only shot of survival that¡¯s left for you. You have got me or nothing.¡±


    She falls her head back and spreads her arms wide on the bed. Opening her eyes to adore the flower paintings. The very least to take her mind from him but she couldn¡¯t.


    Xander¡¯s phone buzzed.


    ¡°Duty calls,¡± she mocked.


    He picked up the phone and suddenly his forehead creased.


    ¡°Speak to me Eric,¡± he said on the phone.


    ¡°We found Jackson¡¯s body,¡± Manny said through the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way,¡± Xander said.


    Affairs were still handled at the manor in his absence. His presence was barely seen but the Alpha had been at a difficult since Jackson was dered officially missing. Xander had been going back and forth, till he had to wait and protect Catherine. He entrustedmunications with Manny.


    He cut the call and looked back at Catherine who kept to herself and was hell-bent on not caring about him anymore. Her hair opened up on his bed like a bright sunflower only that she had hair brown with ck roots at the edges.


    He crawled on the bed next to her and looked over her face.


    ¡°Go away,¡± She blew air into his face.


    He hadn¡¯t moved yet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave if you want to live,¡± he warned. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a few hours. If you don¡¯t see me by the end of the day just wait.¡±


    His eyes were darkened. He got into his ck summer jacket and went out the door.

 Luna?

    Xander phoned Manny that night. He made a stop at the ends woods till he heard water flowing. He stood at the banks and red down at his reflection putting the phone to his left ear.


    ¡°Meet me at theke,¡± he ordered. ¡°Eric taking charge.¡±


    ¡°Yes Alpha,¡± Manny said.


    The leaves were rustling and the air was cold. Faint sounds wereing from a distance. Xander keened his senses and held on to the call.


    ¡°Any sign of her?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No Alpha,¡± Manny coughed. ¡°Faye disappeared when we found the body.¡±


    ¡°How are you recovering?¡± Xander asked. He looked around when he heard a faint whistle in the trees.


    ¡°Sandra got me on some herbs but I¡¯m good,¡± Manny said.


    Xander covered the phone in his palms and crouched at the banks when the whistling was now audible with a sign of dialogue heard from the branches.


    ¡°Alpha?¡± Manny called through the phone.


    Xander switched off the mobile and sneaked behind a boulder. Two men crawled down slowly from a tree and approached where he was.


    They came from both sides. They looked behind the boulder and saw no sign of him.


    ¡°He was right here wasn¡¯t he?¡± The tall rogue asked.


    ¡°No way in hell did he vanish,¡± the short rogue turned back to theke till calm and serene.


    A growl came from above. Xander jumped down from the top of the boulder shing down the back of the short rogue. The other kicked Xander into theke and leaped in after him. The short rogue tore his shirt and scowled in anger.


    Xander sank deep into theke patiently waiting for one of them toe down in the ck water. He held on to a seaweed and knotted it around his arm. He was soon out of the air when one of the rogues swam in his direction.


    He looked up and saw the other afloat and shirtless. He knew he had to hold out and take care of thetter. The tall rogue sent his fist across Xander¡¯s face. Xander struggled and was out of the air, the bubbles came out of his mouth and she opened up his arms to swim up.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    The rogue held one of his legs. Xander kicked down at his face several times till the rogue let go. His head came out of the water and a rock made a ssh inches away from his head. The shirtless rogue was on the right bank throwingrge rocks at Xander. It appears he wasn¡¯t much of a swimmer and yielded to making attacks fromnd.


    Xander swam very fast to the bank. He dodged all the attacks and kept an eye on the rogue swimming behind him. He got onnd and stretched out his ws at the shirtless rogue. The rogue charged at him, Xander took him by the neck and squeezed tight, tied the seaweed around his neck, and snapped his neck to the side.


    ¡°Xander Marion,¡± the taller rogue walked up the bank pointing at Xander.


    ¡°Who sent you?¡± Xander grunted, dropping the body of the shirtless rogue.


    His fingers were bloodied after digging it deep into the rogue¡¯s neck. Snapping his neck alone wouldn¡¯t do.


    ¡°Death calls for you,¡± the rogue snarled. ¡°You are a traitor to your kind.¡±


    Xander picked up a spike with his left hand and tossed it to the right. He set his mark and stood his ground for the rogue to make his first move.


    ¡°You killed one of mine,¡± Xander groaned. ¡°And now you have the guts to make a threat to me!¡± he smacked his free arm on his chest and yelled.


    The rogue ran to Xander with an open w. Xander slid on the ground and knocked the rogue over his feet.


    ¡°The Delta pack will strike again,¡± the rogue packed dust in his fist and threw it at Xander¡¯s face. He knocked the spike off his grip. Xander coughs out dust and guards his face with his arms as the rogue strikes his fists at him.


    Xander¡¯s arms bled out. He thought of Catherine, lying on the bed all alone in the dark. If he dies now by the hand of a rogue, it will all be for nothing, leaving Catherine to suffer at the hands of his enemies.


    He held out the arms of the rogue and head-butted him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send Drew back your head,¡± he growled.


    The spike was very close to him. The rogue aw it too and they both reached for it, which led them to push it away further into the sand.


    They both rose to their feet and they heard wolves howling in the woods.


    ***THE MANOR***


    The Alpha pack was outside the gates of the Manor. They circled a body bag. Eric in the middle held a torch in his hand, the fire on the wood spike was burning brightly. The betas and the deltas were saddened and struck with grief.


    They had tied a pile of logs together to lift the body onto their backs. Eric pointed to Jamal and another Beta.


    ¡°You two, lift up the stock,¡± he ordered.


    Jamal made no response, even when the other beta rushed to obey Eric¡¯smand.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Joni whispered to Jamal. He had ced his hands on the wooden stock and expected Jamal to do the same.


    Manny cut in and made the move for Jamal before Eric noticed his insolence. He was next to Sandra and came down to his knees to lift up the wooden stock. Joni didn¡¯t make a fuss andplied.


    ¡°On two, let¡¯s go,¡± Joni said. ¡°One, two,¡± he and Manny lifted the wooden stock on their shoulders and Eric led the Alpha pack into the woods.


    ¡°We are heading to theke down the cliff,¡± Eric said. ¡°The Alpha is waiting.¡±


    Faye walked out from the shadows. She tapped Eric lightly on the shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be leading,¡± she smirked and slipped her hands off him.


    ¡°Luna? We have been out looking for you all night,¡± Eric breathed and handed her the torch.


    She took it from him and moved it past Manny, almost burning through the side of his face. He flinched and maintained his hold on the wooden stock. He was hurt and depraved of many things. His time to strike was not now.


    Sandra was confident in her stride. Her red hair matched the fierceness of the mes in the torch she raised high in the air. She stomped the ground to gain the attention of the pack, they listened to her call.


    ¡°The rouges are in our ranks and we have to be more alert than ever,¡± she looked back at the Alpha pack. ¡°They took down one of us, so we will take down all of them. Yes, we will honor Jackson this night, but that won¡¯t be the end for him. In our hearts and in our souls we will live to fight!¡± The Alpha pack was riled up and they jeered. They were motivated and their spirits were heightened by her words.


    ¡°To fight again and again, till we¡¯ve wiped the rogues clean off the te. The same goes for our enemies. So now let¡¯s go to theke and after we wage war!¡±


    ¡°You heard our Luna, let¡¯s make it happen boys. Down to theke!¡± Eric ordered.


    He and Faye led the multitude into the woods. Sandra and Jamal had not been in contact since that night of their argument. She thought to say a few words to him.


    ¡°We need to talk,¡± Sandra tugged his arm.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about,¡± Jamal shrugged.


    ¡°It affects us all,¡± she said concernedly. ¡°If not now, it¡¯ll be toote already.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it already is Sandra.¡¯


    ¡°Jamal.¡±


    Jamal hissed when Sandra made a nce at him. He receded into the crowd and walked slowly behind with a hood over his head.


    The Alpha pack marched into the woods. Making their presence known with their howling and ferocious disys from the grounds to the trees.

 Scarface

    The rogue Alpha pack emerged out of the woods. There was fear in his eyes when he saw the numbers. He dove right into theke and swam. Xander just stood there and watched him vanish into the foggy mist of theke.


    Eric stood in the middle of the bank. Manny and Joni set the wooden stock next to him. Manny looked around for Xander and left Joni¡¯s side to find him standing alone on the far end of the bank. Joni and a few younger betas gathered stobs for a bonfire.


    Faye came up to Xander with the lighted torch in her hand. The fire flickered and revealed her zing red eye color. She turned Xander to face her and red into his sober eyes. He stepped back slowly and waved at Manny to run to him.


    ¡°You have been distanttely,¡± Faye said walking up close to him.


    ¡°I bet you had fun while I was away,¡± Xander said


    ¡°The pack had me to lead,¡± she said sternly. ¡°And you were away just doing whatever you wanted.¡±


    ¡°At least I¡¯m not a traitorous wolf,¡± he set a strong gaze on her. ¡°A leader never sells out one of his own.¡±


    He turned away and signaled Eric to start the fire. The wooden stock would beid on a little canoe with long palm leaves by the sides and precious belongings of the pack gathered around the stock. Xander pulled off a chain from the neck.


    Manny walked with a bow and arrow in his hands. Eric followed him from holding another spike lit up with fire.


    ¡°Shall we begin?¡± Eric asked.


    ¡°Wait, Manny goy out the boat,¡± he ordered.


    ¡°Joni has got it covered Alpha,¡± Manny replied.


    ¡°Who is Joni?¡± Xander asked. ¡°Never mind. Everyone should spread out for now.¡±


    ¡°Give me that,¡± Faye took the bow and arrow from Manny, he was reluctant at first but Xander nodded at him to give in.


    Manny stood next to Xander while other wholes lined horizontally facing theke. Sandra was next to Jamal, he didn¡¯t even take one look at her as she pinned her head on his shoulders.


    Joni had set the boat afloat and went to join the others in line. They were aligned in the aura of the moonlight. The fireflies were hovering above their heads and the serenity kicked in.


    Xander stood at one end of the line and walked slowly down the other end. Faye was in the middle of the line arching her stance, Eric was holding the torch for her to light the arrow. The boat was already moving in the water. A little far down the end of theke and the arrow will be shot.


    ¡°These are hard time that tests our strengths and weaknesses. Times like this, we are meant to mend our broken hearts and tend to our wounds. We have all lost a friend. A brother. A lover,¡± he patted Eric lightly on the shoulder and kept on walking. ¡°He was not one to be missed so soon. Jackson Pierce was a man who wouldn¡¯t want us to mourn and have sad faces because he was gone,¡± Xander kicked the sand.


    Faye torched the arrow in the fire. She arched her bow and set a gaze at the floating boat an observable distance away. She pulled and loosened her grip when she had her eyes on the target. The arrow went straight in the air andnded on the end of the body bag, setting the wooden stock aze. It brightened the mid-point of the ck waters.


    ¡°He knew what we lived for. What we strived for. Day in and out. He died a great man and wasn¡¯t murdered a weak man. The only thing I can say to us now is to carry on from where he left off; bringing down the rogues. Wiping them off the face of the earth. Drew will die by my hands. Our wrath will be a tribute in Jackson¡¯s name. Alpha pack!¡± He lifted a fist in the air. The wolves howled in response.


    ***


    Everyone was permitted to wait out this long at theke. Manny was swimming with some other betas and making jokes about each other.


    ¡°What do you call a beta to make him angry?¡± Joni asked


    ¡°Scarface,¡± One of the deltasughed.


    ¡°Oouu Jackson would rip you a new mouth for that,¡± Manny said.


    A few wolves paired and sat next to each other on the other side of the bank. Sandra and Jamal sat on the lower bank with their feet in the water. She held his hand in hers and looked at her reflection in the shallow water. He stared down at his too but he had his eyes on hers.


    ¡°Sandra, I¡¯m really sorry,¡± he said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the way I acted out on you,¡± she said. ¡°I know we can work things out if we give it time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you understand,¡± he said soberly. He turned to her and took her gently by the chin.


    ¡°I thought this was an apology?¡± she took his hand off her chin.


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought really hard about it, and I¡¯ve decided,¡± he shut his eyes and raised his head to face the sky. ¡°We can¡¯t carry on like this. Not just the fight we had. We have different views on things we once shared as one,¡± he brought his head back down and opened up his sad and weary brown eyes.


    ¡°You are someone I really care about,¡± she sniffled. ¡°I guess you were.¡± She got up and walked to meet the others at the upper bank, wiping the tears off her face. Jamal watched her leave till she gained ground with the others.


    She tied her hair up in a bundle and gave him a nce. He looked away and tossed a pebble into theke.


    ***


    Faye and Eric together talking when they figured Xander had left their premise. Eric was about to order some of the Deltas in the water toe out to track their Alpha.


    ¡°He is not a child you know,¡± Faye snickered. ¡°He does this every now and then. You will only piss him off if you go looking for him.¡±


    ¡°He would have said a word,¡± Eric said. ¡°He did say, ¡®times like this we need to stick together and hold each other tightly,¡¯ we might as well do that.¡±


    ¡°Knock yourself out Eric,¡± Faye slid her palm on his shoulder. ¡°I have said I said,¡± she walked on to the oath they came.


    Manny was out of theke and putting on a shirt when he saw Faye walking alone. ¡°This is my chance,¡± he thought. He got dressed and upon his first step to trail Faye, Joni met up with him.


    ¡°We are clearing out soon and you¡¯re on duty with me man¡­ again,¡± Joni sighed.


    ¡°This is not the time, not right now,¡± Manny said.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well tell that to Eric,¡± Joni folded his arms.


    Manny looked over Joni¡¯s shoulder and couldn¡¯t see Faye anywhere. She had left into the dark woods. It would be bad if he went after her without any trial. Joni turned back to look behind him.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Manny smacked his lips.


    ¡°Hold up, you good bro?¡± Joni adjusted his beanie and faced Manny.


    Manny shrugged him off and headed to the clearing-out site. They had to take care of the fire they lit out alongside the pile of rubble they gathered to make a heap for the bonfires.


    ***AT THE CONDO***


    He was tired but not worn out. He ran all the way from theke. He must have broken his record from the previous runs he made. The condo is quiet, too quiet in fact. The leaves blew to his face, he held his arm over his eyes when he saw a white clothid at the entrance.


    It was just a heap of white linen. He moved closer and pulled it over. A pale and cold Catherine caved in shivering on the ground. He knelt to her side and put his arms to take off his jacket. He remembered leaving back at the boulder.


    He pulled off his shirt and tied it around her. It had dried out next to the bonfire. She was in her silk dress, it was all scuffle from the neck to beneath the waistline. He took her in and walked to the inner room.


    Heid her on a long cushion. He took a moment to get a think maroon robe. He took off her clothes and hung her panties on the dresser. He got her in the robe and it came right off, the only clothes he had to get her in were his old pajamas.


    They were baggy and barely stayed on her body. He tied a sash around it to hold it steady on her body. He tucked her in on the bed and set the pillow gently. She took him by the hand when he was about to get off the bed.


    ¡°What happened Catherine,¡± he said with a low voice.


    She let go of him and sat upright with the pillow tugged in her thighs.


    ¡°Talk to me. Where you attacked?¡± he was moments away from yelling. ¡°You were out cold lying on the ground.¡±


    He crawled back and got on his feet. He just watched her resting her back against the headboard. She got up and wobbled on her feet. He rushed to her side before she fell.


    She pulled away from him and got under the sheets. She rolled to the far end of the end and he got under the sheets too. He was not going to take any of her tantrums. He slid under the sheets and locked his fingers into hers. His were across her. His touch gave her the warmth she desperately craved.


    Her mind had settled and she was still in hisfort. His mind wasn¡¯t. He wanted to fill the void about what happened when they were apart. He hadn¡¯t intended to keep her away and alone. For now, she was safe in his arms.

 Help

    On the usual nights, he spent with girls, he wasn¡¯t the one to get cozy with them for a forbearing long time. Catherine was an exception, he stuck with her. Their warm bodies were making indirect contact every time he moved a limb or a turn to any side of the bed.


    Her nose made silent snoozes. He was sure she was asleep and wanted to pull away. This was the time to leave, he thought. She held on to his arms around her. It was getting ufortable for the lower part of his body. Although pleasurable for the areas around his groin.


    He withdrew one hand from her and obscured the lower part of his body. The long hours were overdue. He had no choice but to give in and break the walls of his self-conscious celibacy. She tendered her behind against him. It was nothing but a mild sensual act.


    ***


    The mind can bend and be broken. Her mind was pallid and the light in her dreams was waning. The ground around her was deste and barren. She touched her hair. The length was short and she thought back on her childhood, ying in thevender garden. She felt small and unsafe in her downsized trench coat. She stood outside the condo watching a man in a dark brown suite out the door. He made heavy steps towards her, taking off his zer, and then his waistcoat.


    He tossed the upper part of his clothing to the ground. His bare body was spotless and shining in the dark. Right up to his light blue eyes. He pushes up his sses with his finger and drops down his hand swivels his hair down with the other hand.


    She looked down at thevender scattered on the ground. Out of the blue they had sprung out. She could still smell them. And that could define the realness of whatever was going on. Her fears were still rising amidst the presence of the man.


    He tilted his head at her. He made a sparkle of a smile. She stepped back slowly as she gained recognition of who he was. He ran to her with mouth out sticking out long venomous fangs.


    She made a run for it. Her steps were not making any progress. She looked back and the presence dashed before her. He took her by the neck and bent her over. He licked through her veiny neck and ran his fangs across.


    Her view of the condo was upside down as she was held by him. She stretched out her arm to call for help. Her body was not in favor of her attempt to cry for help. The fangs went deep into her.


    She woke up sweaty and panting from a terrible and almost realistic nightmare. Xander was next to her eyes closed and his were buried in-between his thighs. He cooed like a baby bird in the nest. As much as she wanted to keep lying next to him she couldn¡¯t. She got up and went into the kitchen.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The kitchen was dark but light came from a side of the window. She walked like she knew her way around. She took a ss of water and noticed a shadow growingrge behind her. She turned back to see a tall slim dark figure with pale skin, red eyes, and protruding sharp fangs.


    ¡°Help!¡± she shrieked. She fell to her back and knocked a few things off the table behind her.


    ¡°Catherine!¡± Xander came running into the kitchen.


    Xander rushed to her on the ground. He held her from behind the shoulders and got her up slowly. Her feet couldn¡¯t rise from the ground. She was like a helpless potato struck gripped with fear from the sight of a dangerous animosity.


    Her breath was shaky as she carried her to the room. He ced her gently on the bed. She was brought back from her jolted mind slowly when he hugged her tightly on the bed.


    ¡°I have got you, Catherine. It¡¯s me and you,¡± he leaned back gently to look into her shaken green eyes. ¡°I am here. I am not going anywhere. Nothing is going to hurt you as long as I¡¯m around.


    Sheid to the side. He made herfy in the middle of the bed and slowly came off the mattress.


    ¡°You are safe,¡± he muttered.


    He went outside in search of any connecting dots. This was an odd thing to happen in the middle of the night.


    This could have been a psychological attack or worse someone had found out about this ce and was here to hurt Catherine.


    He was on the porch and not only a werewolf supernatural eyes would see the abnormally big footprints that made a trail on the ground right from the door of the condo. It wasn¡¯t the usual marks of the werewolf stepping toes or a regr human. It was something else, sinister.


    He rushed back inside and gasped for air. The fear in him sparked out of nowhere. He wouldn¡¯t want Catherine to see him startled more or less scared.


    He almost tripped on the steps. He clung to the balustrades and thought of the safety of Catherine. A loved one. One he realized how much he cared for.


    He took his burner phone and called an emergency contact.


    ¡°Yes it¡¯s me,¡± he breathed out.


    He got to his feet and walked up and about the room. He made sure not to wake up Catherine with the slightest sound. He carefully made his steps minding a disturbance or any form of distress.


    ¡°There is a change of ns,¡± he scattered his hand in his hair. ¡°We are going to have to move away from here.¡± He walked back and forth, putting one hand on his hip.


    ¡°Yes, I know what happenedst time. It¡¯s the only option,¡± he made a stop at the center of the room with a frail stomp on the carpet. He looked back to check if she had woken up by the sound. She was still sound asleep.


    ¡°You do that and report back to me,¡± Xander sat on the edge of the bed. ¡°Stay alert Manny.¡±


    He switched off the burner phone and aid his back to rest. He put his palms over his face and let out a groan. This time Catherine opened her eyes.


    ¡°Are we moving?¡± she asked softly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said rubbing his eyes. ¡°If ites to it which it may, then we will.¡±


    Sheid her head back on the pillow. He sat across just watching her sleep with a peace of mind he so wished for.

 Somewhere safer

    Catherine woke up to Xander¡¯s voice coursing through the walls. It appears he was talking to someone else with a less fervent tone. She heard the sound of an engine revering. It clouded the dialogue going on outside the condo.


    Manny rested his arms on the roof of the car.


    ¡°We have got about an hour.¡±


    Xander yawned and looked back at the condo.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be long. The road is just beyond the ckwater Lake. And you will drive fast and be cautious.¡±


    Manny dropped a hand to open the door of the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°That ce is closer to the condo. This ce is farther-¡±


    Xander buttoned his shirt to the brim.


    ¡°Closer or not, this ce is conspicuous. Anyone, be it a wolf can walk far deep into the woods and go beyond the pine trees. And behind avender garden, they see a condo with a vulnerable human.¡±


    Manny breathed air into his palms and rubbed them over his shoulders.


    ¡°We¡¯d best get moving Alpha,¡± he got in the car and shut the door. ¡°The sooner the better.¡±


    Xander stuck his hands into his back pockets and walked to the porch.


    ¡°Thevender to null her scent may not be as strong as I thought,¡± he sighed. ¡°I hope you covered your tracks?¡±


    Manny ran his fingers over his head and nced at his buzz cut in the side mirror.


    ¡°I made sure no one followed me on the way here,¡± he said. ¡°The pack barely seems to care about each other these days. Ever since Jackson got copped out-man it has been he tough Alpha. And not to mention, what Faye did to me,¡± his eyes darkened.


    Xander stretched out his arms wide at the front door.


    ¡°One of the reasons why I have to show up today, Xander said. ¡°Like I told you before, hold your own. We may not address it now but I¡¯m not letting it go.¡±


    ***


    Catherine got up from the bed and looked down at the carpet pondering her thoughts. She rubbed her feet on the carpet searching for something to slip into.


    A car here? And wait, someone else knows about her?


    She got into her clothes and wore the oversized robe fromst night. Her breaths were cold. She dragged herself to the thermostat to heat up the room.


    She looked up at the ceiling and the paintings that extended to the walls were dull and less attractive. It was like melting art. Perhaps it was the dizziness in her eyes.


    She saw her bags were packed behind the door. She didn¡¯t remember bringing any clothes when Xander supposedly saved her. Which was more of a kidnapping. She saw Manny in the driver¡¯s seat. She noticed the grim that had just found a way to get stuck on his face. ¡°Something must have gone wrong with him,¡± she thought.


    Xander walked in and met her standing by the window.


    ¡°Oh good, you¡¯re awake.¡±


    He shut the door lightly. The breeze still came in from a vertical opening.


    ¡°And you look like you haven¡¯t slept one bit.¡±


    She pointed out with a raised brow.


    ¡°Hurry. We don¡¯t have much time-.¡±


    He grabbed her bags from the floor.


    ¡°To do what? I don¡¯t remember having a talk with you about anythingst night.¡±


    She stepped away from the curtains.


    ¡°Last night, let¡¯s just say it wasn¡¯t a good night. Manny is ready to take to a new ce-¡±


    He pushed the door open with the bags. A cold breeze rushed in.


    ¡°What?¡±


    She held her arms akimbo.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s what you heard. You can clean up when you get there.¡±


    He stepped a foot out the door. Many stuck his head out the car window to see what was going on inside.


    ¡°So it¡¯s just me now?¡±


    She sighed and walked back to the inner room.


    ¡°I need to get back to the Manor Catherine, you know that.¡±


    He shut the door and dropped the bag behind it.


    ¡°Okay just leave like you always do.¡±


    She hissed and kicked her clogs to a corner of the room.


    ¡°What the hell is that supposed to mean?¡±


    He followed her from behind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll always be by your side was always bullshit.¡±


    She sat on the mattress and patted a pillow next to her.


    ¡°We are not doing this right now. You are being selfish.¡±


    He stood in front of her with his face contorted. He leaned forward and pocketed his arms in his grey pants.


    She shrugged him off andid her back on the bed.


    He came into the room and pulled her off the bed. She came down with pillows as she fell to the carpet.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± she yelled.


    ¡°You are so stubborn,¡± he rose her up from the carpet.


    She pushed him back and pushed him again. He took her arms and hoisted her on his shoulders. She struggled to get off but his overwhelming strength couldn¡¯t be matched.


    Manny was at the door when he heard Catherine screaming. He opened the door and saw Xander with a strong face holding Catherine up on his shoulders.


    ¡°Grab the bags,¡± Xander ordered.


    Manny was stunned. Quickly, he grabbed the bags from the floor and headed out.


    ***


    Xander put her in the backseat and shut the door before she rushed to get out.


    ¡°You are the worst!¡± she yelled.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we all,¡± he said and turned to face Manny in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Who am I kidding? You are a monster!¡± Catherine railed on.


    Manny tapped his fingers on the steering wheel ready to move.


    ¡°Catherine,¡± Manny called her attention as he turned to the back seat. ¡°It is or the best.¡±


    Her eyes were still and her body was calm.


    ¡°I am not going back there,¡± she said. ¡°You know how it is back at the Manor.¡±


    He took his hands off the wheel. And looked over at Xander outside the window.


    Xander arched his stance and bent over to look into the backseat window.


    ¡°Who mentioned anything about going to the manor,¡± he scoffed.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Where are you taking me then?¡± she asked. ¡°I want answers. Now!¡±


    ¡°Somewhere safer,¡± Xander said.


    ¡°Hopefully,¡± Manny said.


    ¡°Hopefully?¡± she looked back at Xander all perplexed.


    ¡°Hope is all we have. Don¡¯t mind Manny screw loose, you are gonna be fine,¡± he hit the roof of the car to send them on their way.


    Manny started the engine way made way for the shady narrow path.


    Catherine cozied up in the right end of the backseat looking at the tall pine trees ahead. The trees were moving by faster and she held on to her seat.


    ¡°Please can you go a little slower?¡±


    ¡°This is the slowest I can go. Alpha¡¯s orders¡±


    ¡°Figured,¡± she sighed. ¡°So how have you been Manny?¡±


    ¡°Bad. It¡¯s been really bad since you left.¡±


    He swerved the steering to the right and entered a crooked path. The wilderness was closing in on them.


    ¡°I thought she got what she wanted and would be at peace with the others.¡±


    ¡°She?¡±


    ¡°Faye.¡±


    The car rescinded in its pace. He red at the center mirror to look at Catherine.


    ¡°The devil has a way of ruining lives. She ruined mine.¡±


    ¡°What did she do?¡±


    ¡°Never mind. The loss of an innocent soul would be paid for soon enough.¡±


    ¡°Manny you can talk to me.¡±


    She moved closer and pinned her hands on the shoulders of his seat.


    ¡°My first-the only one I ever let in.¡±


    A tear rippled down his left cheek.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me-¡±


    ¡°It was Shirley,¡± he sniffled.


    She let go of his seat and rested back on her seat. She shut her eyes to keep the tears from flowing. She had never met with Shirley one-on-one. She was all Manny ever talked about when he and Catherine were chattering in the halls. She saw how happy he was with her. The happiness has now faded away and left a ck hole in his chest. Faye didn¡¯t just put Catherine through a lot but caught distress in the life of another.

 Surprize visit

    ***AT THE MANOR***


    A bright morning by the fountain in the courtyard. Sandra and Eric just came back from a run in the fields. She took off her sweatshirt and sat by the crater of the fountain. She took the band off her ponytail and let the hair flow. Eric got down on his knees to ssh water on his face. They weren¡¯t exasperated just thirsty. It would take a lot to wear a werewolf out.


    ¡°The Deltas sure love to get scorched by the sun,¡± Sandra tucked out her shirt from her track pants, smiling at Joni and the others still running around the fields.


    ¡°We would need all the training we can get,¡± Eric said. ¡°Not that this counts as training, but until Xander shows up.¡±


    ¡°Speak of the devil,¡± Sandra¡¯s eyes widened when she saw Manny pulling over with Xander next to him.


    The backseat was empty. Sure enough, they had taken care of Catherine. Xander had waited patiently at the condo for Manny toe back for him. If they arrived differently the whole story would be misinterpreted. It was best to get it straight that Manny drove out to pick up Xander at a location known to both of them.


    They had left the wayward pines and the thick wilderness and back to the Alpha pack Manor.


    Manny got out of the car and went across the courtyard, missing Eric and Sandra by the fountain. He saw Jamal and Faye out back. They were still in the same clothes as yesterday. They were probably out all night and justing to the Manor about the time he and Xander arrived. She handed Jamal a bag and parted ways as she went inside.


    ¡°Hey, man.¡±


    He snuck behind Jamal, spooking him a little.


    ¡°Surprised to see you here.¡±


    Jamal held the bag to his side.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°What¡¯s in the bag?¡± Manny asked eagerly.


    He wanted to grab it from Jamal. Jamal pulled away and stood with a defensive stance.


    ¡°Hey Jamal, you picked up Xander¡¯s jacket right?¡± Joni came by asking. ¡°The Alpha had mee look for it.¡±


    Joni observed the tension in their eyes. Manny dug his hands into his pockets and walked in through the back door.


    ¡°Yeah-yeah it¡¯s right here,¡± Jamal handed Joni the bag.


    ¡°A lot of you guys waited back at the banks,¡± Joni said. ¡°Mostly betas under Faye¡¯smand yeah?¡±


    ¡°You lot under Eric didn¡¯t wait for the skinny dipping,¡± Jamal sneered. ¡°Sandra left early with you guys I guess-¡±


    ¡°Yeah we walked back together,¡± Joni said.


    ¡°You what?¡± Jamal pulled Joni by the neck of his shirt and looked sternly into his eyes.


    ¡°We all did man,¡± Joni defended. ¡°Not like we were alone or anything,¡± he raised his hands in surrender.


    ¡°Know your ce Delta,¡± Jamal let go of his shirt and pushed him back.


    ***UPSTAIRS IN THE ALPHA¡¯S ROOM***


    Xander had had his bath at the manor and wondered why he heard water running in his bathroom at the manor. He informed the maids to not prepare a bath for him when he arrived.


    ¡°I told Maria not to,¡± he sighed putting his hands over his face.


    He closed his door and submitted his body to thefy mattress. He stretched his arms wide and felt the sheets heaped up to the side.


    He pulled the sheets. His eyebrows furrowed when found Faye in her corset and lingerie all curled up around a pillow. She was awake the whole time.


    He rose up the bed and pulled off his boots giving her an ill look.


    ¡°I thought being a Luna had given me a sense of responsibility up here,¡± he stuck a finger to his temple. ¡°Now get out before I have them drag you out because right now I don¡¯t have the luxury to host your shenanigans.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the way it¡¯s been with her,¡± she crawled up to his belt.


    ¡°Thoughts just keep flying out of your head doesn¡¯t it,¡± he pushed her back to the bed.


    He walked to his wardrobe to take off his shirt by the dresser. She rolled to the other end of the bed to get a better view of the admirable physique.


    ¡°You act like you don¡¯t want me but what will the elders say if I tell them about that night?¡± she bit her thumb and crossed her eyes.


    ¡°What night?¡± Xander closed and pulled over the dress to veil his bare torso.


    Faye came off the bed one leg after the other. She prowled like a cat and pulled over the dresser. Toote for her, Xander was already fitted in his robe. She still didn¡¯t back away. She stood at his front and folded her arms behind his neck.


    ¡°The night you tried to keep her away from the coronation,¡± she said softly into his ears.


    ¡°Knock yourself out. I don¡¯t care,¡± he shrugged her off.


    ¡°There is the overconfidence,¡± she snarled. ¡°This body won¡¯t touch itself, Xander,¡± she ced her palm on his bare back and pushed her bosom against him. She kissed his back went to the side and ran her fingers through his ribs.


    ¡°You have overstayed your wee Luna,¡± he held a firm grip on her hand.


    He dragged her to the door. The maids were outside in the hallway dusting the portraits on the wall. Faye stuck by the door handle and waited for him to give her a kiss goodbye.


    Xander turned away and pushed her out. She almost stumbled into one of the maids. They snickered and giggled when she came out. She threatened them with a growl and they resumed their duties.


    ***


    Faye was on the bed in her quarters. Jamal stood by the door looking down at his feet.


    ¡°Repeat what you just said,¡± She ordered.


    ¡°I returned the Alpha¡¯s jacket to one of the-¡±


    She threw at him. He was able to dodge the attack, leaving themp to shatter into shambles against the wall.


    ¡°I gave you the jacket specifically to keep,¡± she said sternly. ¡°And to return.¡±


    Jamal got on his knees to gather the pieces ofmp parts that spilled all over the carpet.


    ¡°Forgive me, Luna,¡± he prodded. ¡°Manny already saw the bag¡­ and I had no choice when the Delta came by asking.¡±


    ¡°Enough of that,¡± she patted her hair. ¡°You screwed our chance to get Catherine¡¯s scent but you will make up for your ipetenceter on.¡±


    ¡°However I will be of service to please my Luna,¡± he bowed.


    ¡°Get the car ready,¡± she ordered. ¡°I will pay a visit to an Elder, and give him an offer he can never refuse.¡±

 Offering her body

    In the on the road at night. She drove past the speed limit. Her face hardened on the wheel. She saw the bungalow ahead and lowered her speed, but that wasn¡¯t enough to avoid impact with the flower bowls in the open pumpkin garden. She knocked over the gnomes and ss statues. She pulled over just right outside the porch.


    A man with a brown flowing hair opened the door. He saw a red-hairede out the door and m the day with a ferocious nce at him. She undressed herself till she got to the doorstep and hopped on him. They kissed passionately till they fell on the couch.


    ¡°You trashed my garden,¡± he pulled her back gently by the hair.


    ¡°Take off those dirty pullovers,¡± she groaned.


    The door was left open. The cold air moved around the room. Their body was hot and steamy on the couch. He kissed her down to her crevices. She moaned loudly when he buried his head in between her thighs.


    ¡°But you are going to take care of the mess you made?¡± he raised his head.


    ¡°Shut up and go down on me again,¡± She pushed his head down.


    They were rolling on the carpet smoldering each other. They were bare and didn¡¯t care for whatever or whoever came through the open door. She stared at the animal heads strung up on his walls as he thrusts his lower body into her.


    ***


    They were lying on the bear skin floor mat. They stared into each other¡¯s eyes. Their green eyes were more sparkling than ever.


    ¡°Nothing better than a quality time like this,¡± he got and pulled on his denim.


    ¡°We have got a lot to talk about,¡± She crawled up on the furry mat.


    ¡°My ears are open to the words out your mouth,¡± he said. ¡°You moan like a goddess.¡±


    ¡°I have had betterpliments,¡± she chuckled softly.


    He went outside for a brief moment. He came back in with her clothes in his arms. He kicked the door shut. She smiled and rubbed her arms against her shoulders. She wanted his warmth again, but she seriously wanted to get into her clothes. His mat was already getting itchy on her skin. She could withstand it as a wolf but she didn¡¯t like it.


    ¡°Do you still take me up on my offer?¡± he dumped her clothes beside her.


    ¡°Lucky you asked that,¡± she smiled and got into her underwear. ¡°I came with an offer of my own.¡±


    ¡°The Luna came to offer me her body and deed,¡± he said on the couch. ¡°Must be my lucky day.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m honored to be in the presence of an Elder,¡± she teased turning her back for him to zip up her gown.


    He did her zip to her nape and kissed her on her neck. She frowned when she turned the other way and smiled back when he looked at her face.


    ¡°The Superior is someone you would be honored to see,¡± he said with a smirk. ¡°But who am I to owe you this pleasure? Just a mere sideman to the seer.¡±


    ¡°You can be the seer one of these days,¡± she skimmed her fingers on his face.


    ¡°Your family is a great house,¡± he red up at her as she sat on hisp. ¡°I suppose with the right words and the right action, at the right time it can happen.¡±


    ¡°It sure can,¡± she smiled. ¡°You are going to make sure I get the respect I deserve first. My Alpha has grown some wings I need you to clip.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Anything for you Faye Meade,¡± he licked his bottom lip and squeezed her thigh. ¡°My enemies go down and I shall rise up to take what is mine. The female will need to be taken out of the picture.¡±


    She nodded in agreement and bit him on the ear in a sensual manner. She pulled back slowly and retreated to the carpet. She pulled down her gown to veil her thighs.


    ¡°I will take care of your desires,¡± she said. ¡°I will have my associates reach out to you in time. They would make my request clearer and more understandable. Now I take my leave.¡±


    She swayed her hips till she reached the door and made a nce at him. He rose up to follow her from behind. She made quick steps down the front door steps to grab her heels next to the tires of her car.


    ¡°I will take care of the mess you made,¡± he waved her goodbye as she got into her car.


    She blew a kiss in the air at him and started her engine.


    ***


    It was the same dark road path she took. The edge of the hill. She met a familiar face on the road and made a stop next to them.


    ¡°What brings you on the road this hour,¡± he looked into her window.


    ¡°All mighty seer,¡± she hailed with a low nod. ¡°I took a drive to clear my mind.¡±


    ¡°Your hair is quite in a rumple,¡± he pointed out. ¡°You are faring well in your pack I see.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Very well,¡± she smiled tapping the wheel.


    ¡°Not to keep you waiting, best be on your way to the Manor down south,¡± he stepped back to let her drive away. ¡°My regards to Marion.¡±


    ¡°Might I give you a drive great seer?¡± she asked unlocking the door.


    ¡°If an Elder couldn¡¯t enter your car, I dare not,¡± he scoffed.


    A clueless thought rippled down her face. She shadowed it with a smile and drove away. The seer folded his arms and looked back the way she came.


    ¡°Gone are the days the Elders were highly respected,¡± he sighed. ¡°Now they give room for contempt and whatnot.¡±


    ***


    Faye pulled over at the courtyard. Jamal was waiting at the fountain. Sandra was seen shutting the door behind her as she went in. Faye shed her lights on the balcony. Xander blocked his eyes and carried on with Manny next to him.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard,¡± Xander said patting Manny¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The day wille when your revenge will be simple and sweet. Blood may not be spilled by your hands but you shall witness the downfall of the one you solely despise.¡±


    ¡°I keep seeing her face every day, everywhere I go and it¡¯s just eating me up inside,¡± Manny groaned. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, I would have faced Faye again. And wouldn¡¯t probably die fighting a fool¡¯s fight.¡±


    Faye met up with Jamal and they both went inside. The rain started and the clouds were still dull and grey.


    ¡°The full moon is yet toe,¡± Xander looked into the sky. ¡®We must first avenge Jackson before we tend to internal conflict.¡±


    Manny nodded sternly.

 The seer

    Thatte night, the Elder was in the garden picking up the shards of vases and flower pots. He had taken thest piece and tied up the trash bag. He looked at the road. Themp post dawned on a man with cornrows. He walked so subtly in his full vintage tweed regalia.


    The Elder dropped the trash bag and stared at the lonely seer with a feeling of awe. He waved to hail his presence and followed suit with a low bow. He rushed in to get his ce ready to host the seer.


    He had cleared the carpet and sprayed the room with a light fume fragrance. He peeped out the door-hole and the front yard right to the porch was empty and quiet. He keened in his senses but he heard no breaths or steps.


    He opened the door with angst. He walked around the garden and spotted footprints on his doorstep. The door shut behind him and he looked back. He ran back in to see who had invaded his space.


    The seer was the master of stealth.


    He opened the door and hung back his trench coat. Another coverall was already hung in his cloak hanger. He saw the seer sitting on a sofa, with his legs crossed on a cushion.


    ¡°I should treat you to some green tea,¡± he shut the door.


    ¡°I have only lived four decadese on now Jack don¡¯t be rude,¡± the seer snickered.


    Jack sat across the seer and waited for him to speak. The seer had taken his time to meditate after staring straight into the eyes of the boar head strung up on the wall.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mind oatmeal?¡± Jack asked kindly not to say the wrong thing. ¡°I can fix it up right away.¡±


    ¡°Just sit Jack,¡± the Seer cautioned. ¡°Everyone in themunity knows I hate oatmeal. If I was human I¡¯d be allergic.¡±


    ¡°To what do I owe this visit Seer?¡± he sounded more confident as he leaned back on the couch.


    ¡°Many things actually,¡¯ the Seer rubbed his chin. ¡°First off, what is that faint smell?¡±


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s just the sake I spread every night,¡± he spread his arms across the couch.


    ¡°Smells like you brought ass around,¡± the Seer teased rubbing his palms together.


    ¡°Why would you think that?¡± Jack folded his arms with an angry face. ¡°I thought you came here for urgent matters, not shallow-minded talks.¡±


    ¡°Be careful there now Jack. Mind your words,¡± the Seer chuckled softly and brought his legs down from the cushion.


    ***


    ¡°With rogues on the loose down south, the Alpha pack has to be stronger than ever,¡± Jack said.


    ¡°Xander Marion is holding the fort well so far.¡± the seer said. ¡°Or is his Luna inactive and was never meant to be?¡±


    ¡°Faye Meade needs to be reinstated as Luna,¡± Jack said sternly. ¡°With the two of them leading the pack, their troubles would cease to cause rm at the south.¡±


    ¡°A Meade is Luna of the south?¡± the seer asked surprisingly. ¡°I was not at the coronation of the Marion boy I see. At first, it was an Omega wolf and now I hear of something else.¡±


    ¡°The Omega wolf died tragically,¡± Jack¡¯s eyes went sad. ¡°But with Faye Meade-with your blessing of course it will benefit the Alpha pack to have her officially as the Luna.¡±


    The Seer went into a state spasm. His pupils ceased to appear in his eyes. His face went nk. He was lost for a brief moment in his mind. He saw shes of Faye in a white dress. She was stained with a pint of red on her chest. The stain spread all over. Her white nnel was now dreadful and crimson. She was lying on the ground dead with a ragged trench coat by her side.


    He snapped out of the trance. He opened his eyes to see Jack sprinkling water from a ss over his face. He turned away the ssware in Jack¡¯s hand and stood on his feet.


    ¡°I have gotten word from the Moon Goddess,¡± the seer¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°I am listening¡­ is it Faye?¡± Jack asked hesitantly.


    ¡°She is a Luna already¡­ but there will be conditions,¡± he lifted his right index at Jack¡¯s face.


    ¡°Whatever it is she will live by,¡± Jack pulled out his phone to make a call.


    ¡°Do not reach her now,¡± the Seer warned. ¡°First light, we go to the Manor of the young Marion.


    Jack put his phone back into his pocket. He smiled inwardly knowing he had fulfilled his end of the bargain. And it was a matter of time before news reached Faye at the manor.


    ***AT THE MANOR***


    Sandra ordered the maids to leave when Jamal walked into the kitchen. He had been standing at the door watching her for a while till it ticked her off.


    ¡°This mysterious hitch is not you, and you know it,¡± she said putting a disk away in the rack.


    ¡°I have been thinking about what I said¡­ at theke,¡± he rested his arms on the kitchen counter.


    ¡°You were straight to the point when west spoke and I¡¯ve moved on,¡± she picked up a knife from his side without making eye contact.


    ¡°I can tell you still want to talk to me Sandra,¡± Jamal said with ease.


    ¡°You must be as delusional as Faye to think that,¡± she turned back with a frown.


    ¡°Mistakes were made yes,¡± he walked to the other end of the counter to be by her side.


    ¡°You really have raised the bar low,¡¯ she scoffed. ¡°At first I thought you were blinded by loyalty. Now I see who you truly are.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡± he held the knife in her hand.


    ¡°A stupid little wolf,¡± she said with a stern into his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I ever had feelings for you.¡±


    ¡°Like hell you deserved me,¡± he threw the knife away from her grip. It made a deep cut into her palm. She bled out profusely. Sandra had always been a slow healer. Jamal knew too well of it. His eyes were ddened although he still held a sliver of regret for his action he didn¡¯t show it.


    ¡°Sandra you make the nest meatloaf¡± Joni walked into the kitchen with a greasy empty te in his hand. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he saw Sandra drawing a knife from the rack and Jamal stepping back like she was about to stab him.


    ¡°You are the worst person,¡± she slung out the knife at Jamal¡¯s face.


    ¡°Go away Delta,¡± Jamal said. ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±


    ¡°I think it does,¡± Joni puts his te on the counter and grabs a napkin. ¡°Sandra calm down,¡± he walked past Jamal and stood in between the raging former couple.


    ¡°Move it Delta,¡± Jamal threatened. ¡°I am not going to tell you again.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Sandra stepped forward and Joni was now behind her. ¡°Cut his palm his palm with a knife too?¡± she pushed the knife to Jamal¡¯s chest. She was furious and ready to stick the knife in him if he attacked her or Joni.


    ¡°Screw this,¡± Jamal grunted and walked back out of the kitchen.


    Sandra dropped the knife on the counter. Immediately, Joni tended to her bleeding palm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you cleaned up,¡± he tied the napkin around her palm. ¡°It appears your would isn¡¯t closing up fast.¡±


    ¡°Yeah that happens,¡± she winced when he tightened the tourniquet. ¡°Thank you, Joni.¡±


    She smiled at him at him and noticed he was staring out the window. She looked up into the sky observing the moon high up in the deserted clouds.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be a full moon soon,¡± Joni said.

 Consequences of breaking oath

    The Alpha pack were all out of their rooms and headed downstairs. The rays of the sun the sun burst through the open curtains of the great hall. They met up with Xander at the end of therge room. He was seated on the throne from the coronation.


    They assembled and sat on the empty seats all lined out in their stead. The deltas are to the left and the betas are to the right. Faye walked in with Jamal and stood by a corner. They waited till everyone one seated, Jamal proceeded to sit while Faye went outside when her phone rang a buzz.


    ¡°You all must be wondering why we are all gathered here,¡± Xander said rising up from his throne. He walked down the steps and grabbed a scroll from an altar.


    ¡°This contains the names of the past generation Alpha pack till date,¡± he raised the scroll up in his hand. ¡°The rogues were once one wolf in our ranks. Today we change that,¡± he lowered his hand. ¡°We may have been hurt and attacked in our manor and outside our walls. Today it ends,¡± he snapped his fingers at Manny who sat in the second row of the beta pack.


    Manny rose to his feet fast and rushed to Xander¡¯s side. ¡°This is the precise location,¡± he said quietly to Xander handing him a tabloid. Xander widened the view of the geo-location.


    ¡°We recently got info about the location of some rogues who may have led to the death of Jackson,¡± he handed the tabloid back to Manny. ¡°There will be two troops disbanded at this location. One at the beginning of the road and the others crossing over at the terminal of the bridge up north.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t reached the bridge in a while Alpha,¡± Eric stood up to his feet. ¡°The Elders hold at that location. The likelihood of the rogues present there would have spiked a retaliation about now.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying, Eric? That the Alpha pack is ipetent and Jack¡¯s a good source of information?¡± Xander held a fist behind his back. His face contorted and he leaned forward to hear Eric¡¯s redeemable conclusion.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°I would never-¡±


    The doors of the hall opened. The wooden creak surfaced the entire room. The wolves bowed to the man in a big cornrow that reached the neck of his regalia. Jack came in with his overflowing trench coat from behind him. Xander swatted the scroll on Manny¡¯s chest. He was astonished by the sudden arrival of one of the two respected wolves up north. The men are very well recognized in the supernaturalmunity.


    ***


    The wolves had dispersed from the great hall. They had all gone to the fields to gather around the first man beta, Eric.


    ¡°If you hear your name, you fall under the first squad list,¡± Eric said arms folded behind him. He stood gant in front of the Alpha pack. The deltas and betas are together in columns and rows.


    ¡°What about the others out on patrol right now,¡± a delta in a tank top raised his hand.


    ¡°Joni and the other deltas will arrive here and tent to the manor,¡± Eric squinted. ¡°Do not hold my words lightly Ruben. Now Manny, Jamal, and Sandra, you fall under my squad. Wait, where¡¯s Jamal?¡± Eric looked around.


    Sandra was unfazed and stood in line next to Manny.


    ¡°He wasst seen with Faye,¡± Ruben said.


    ¡°You will take his ce,¡± Eric pointed. ¡°The Luna has him in her care for now.¡±


    The Alpha back murmured when a delta was paired in the beta squad. Only the Alpha could make such decisions.


    Eric walked up to Ruben and said to his face, ¡°Did you not hear me?¡±


    Ruben looked at the female Delta next to him and smiled. Eric punched him in the gut and he surrendered to the ground.


    ¡°You will answer to me,¡± Eric pulled him by the hair.


    The other Deltas stared with disdain in their eyes. They were never on a jolly path with the betas since Faye became Luna. They were always treated second-handedly since Xander wasn¡¯t around most of the time.


    Eric let go of his hair and pushed him back to the other deltas. They held their man from falling.


    ¡°Whatever you say,¡± Ruben smirked. ¡°I will have a good time with the Betas.¡±


    ***


    In the middle of the living room, Xander was seated next to Faye. The Seer sat across them while Jack leaned on the wall ring at Faye. He had no business in the Alpha manor. He was only here to apany the Seer.


    Jamal came in from the back to the door and crept behind a figurine. He wasn¡¯t seen but Faye sensed him close by.


    ¡°You have both been summoned by the Moon Goddess,¡± The Seer took them both by the hand.


    ¡°I need to know what this is about Seer,¡± Xander frowned. ¡°The sooner the better. I don¡¯t have too much time on my hands.¡±


    ¡°An oath ought to have been made since the day of your coronation. The Luna¡¯s deration to be precise,¡± he rubbed their palms. ¡°In the joining of your hearts as one, the only way you can be stronger is if none of you has had coptions with anyone else.¡±


    Faye¡¯s eyes turned to Jack and she started to tremble. She tried to control herself and her emotions. It got so overwhelming that her hands began to shake. Xander pulled his hand away from the Seers when he saw this awkwardness.


    She fell against a footstool. She twisted and rolled on the ground. Her pupils were dted and her limbs were wiggling all over the carpet floor. Jamal regressed into a dark corner not to be seen.


    The Seer stared into Faye¡¯s green eyes. It was as though she was transforming but she was hyperventting. The Elder couldn¡¯t help himself but rush to her side. He pretended like he was just being considerate looking back upon Xander and the Seer.


    ¡°We need to help her,¡± he said.


    ¡°Werewolves don¡¯t have seizures like this,¡± Xander said.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a seizure,¡± the Seer ced his palm on Faye¡¯s fidgeting body. ¡°She broke the oath. This is one of the things she must bear. Let her go Jack, and her sireling will tend to her,¡± he pointed to the dark corner of the kitchen.


    ¡°Oh great Seer,¡± Jamal came out bowing from the corner.


    ¡°I will be right back,¡± Xander said. ¡°I need to-just give me a minute.¡±


    Xander was surprised to see another was present in the room. There was no room for scolding right now he stepped and excused himself from their midst.


    ***


    He was out on the porch lighting a cigarette. The Seer came out. Quickly, he waved his arms around to clear the smoke from the seer¡¯s face.


    ¡°Young Marion, I know of what you hide,¡± the Seer dusted off ash dust from the arm of his regalia.


    ¡°What do you speak of?¡± Xander coughed.


    ¡°The human girl you fight so hard to protect,¡± he said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about Seer,¡± Xander walked away from the doorstep. He tossed the cigarette on the ground and crushed it with his boots.


    ¡°She is in a condo beyond theke,¡± the Seer said assuredly.


    Xander looked back at him with shaky breaths and fearful eyes.


    ¡°Catherine is in danger,¡± he thought.


    ¡°Do not worry Marion,¡± the Seer said. ¡°There are things yet to be discovered between you two. She is not an ordinary being. Not as weak and mundane as you think.¡±


    ¡°She is not supernatural,¡± Xander looked stunned.


    The Seer moved aside when Jack came out the door.


    ¡°The Luna?¡± Seer asked Jack holding his arm.


    ¡°The young Beta took her to her quarters,¡± Jack said.


    ¡°In due time, it will subside,¡± the Seer said running his fingers along his cornrows.

 Old lady

    ¡°I will head back now,¡± Jack squared his shoulders. ¡°Are youing?¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± the Seer gave a dismissive wave of his hand. ¡°We will see soon enough.¡±


    Jack lowered his head and went on his way. He had his car parked outside the gates.


    The Seer watched him walk up to a distance before he continued with Xander.


    ¡°The wolf onlypetes with fierceness and strength. Look deeper,¡± the Seer jerked his head in the direction of the fountain.


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t understand you,¡± Xander jammed his hand into his pockets and leaned on a pir. ¡°You mean no harm so that¡¯s fine. As for the human¡­ if she talks to me I guess I will find out what she knows.¡±


    The Seer threaded a hand through his hair and looked away to the Alpha back on the fields.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You have touched your cornrows about a hundred just in the living room,¡± Xander smoothed down his pants.


    ¡°Too bad you can have them,¡± the Seer chuckled softly. ¡°For someone of your color, it¡¯d be culturally inappropriate.¡±


    Xander smiled. They both walked down to the fields.


    ***


    Jack drove in to give the Seer a ride. The Alpha waved them goodbye. They drove away and the gates were closed after them.


    The Alpha pack had been disseminated into squads of fours. Two squads Eric is the leader of Manny, Ruben, and Sandra. They met with Xander to approve their dismissal.


    ¡°We are all packed up and ready to go,¡± Eric reported.


    ¡°You will be back in two, three days yeah?¡± Xander pressed a finger to his lips. ¡°No, no Manny can¡¯t go on a mission,¡± Xander cocked his head. ¡°The whole squad here isn¡¯t ready and has never been inbat before, at least outside the walls of the Manor.¡±


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s my lucky day,¡± Ruben muttered sagging his shoulders.


    ¡°Who said you could speak?¡± Eric stiffened.


    ¡°The sh with Drew wasn¡¯t anything. If these guys were to get jumped in the woods they wouldn¡¯t be able to fend for themselves,¡± Xander folded his arms. ¡°So maybe this might just be your lucky day Delta,¡± Xander inched forward to Ruben with a straight face.


    Manny and Sandra were relieved. The other squad came by and they were much bigger and older than the young werewolves Eric gathered.


    ¡°We are taking the bridge,¡± their Squad leader grunted.


    ¡°Get that bass out of your voice Shawn,¡± Eric confronted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go ripping each other¡¯s throat out yet,¡± Xander held them by their shoulders. ¡°Bring me back the head of a rogue and you¡¯ll be my most trusted beta,¡± he patted them.


    ¡°Second-in-Command is the goal,¡± Shawn sniffled. ¡°Better luck next time,¡± he stepped away the other husky wolves following him from behind.


    Xander


    ¡°Sandra, Manny, and¡­¡±


    ¡°Ruben,¡± the young Delta drew nearer to his Alpha.


    ¡°I hereby assign you to tag with Eric on this mission,¡± Xander folded his arms and nced at the other squad hollering. ¡°Alpha pack are faced with obstacles from time to time. This is your chance to prove yourselves. Not to me but to the Alpha pack.¡±


    ¡°Yes Alpha,¡± the squad said all together.


    Sandra raised her hand.


    ¡°No questions,¡± Xander shrugged.


    She lowered her hand. Xander walked up to her face.


    ¡°Speak don¡¯t ask,¡± he sped his hands behind his back prodding his head forward.


    ¡°I do not wish to hold them back anyway,¡± she raised her chin. ¡°But my healing¡­ it is not as fast rapid as the others.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t get hurt,¡± Xander warned.


    ¡°What about this fe railing off on his own,¡± Manny pointed to Ruben.


    ¡°Deltas are lone trackers,¡± Ruben scoffed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want some wannabe betas slow me down.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go doing stupid shit,¡± Eric flicked a finger at Ruben¡¯s temple.


    ¡°What the hell?¡¯ Rubbed his temple.


    ¡°Eric I leave them in your hands,¡± Xander sighed.


    Xander walked away and left them circled around Eric.


    ***AT THE CONDO***


    Xander parked his car a mile away. He walked all the way to the condo. He wanted no traces so had to do what he despised the most. Walking.


    He¡¯d rather have a mocktail with a te of canapes on a sunny day like this. Not out here in the woods but maybe on theke side. If the woods were safe and open to roam free. Catherine would have to give consent first; the only girl that kept him waiting for answers.


    He sighted the roof of the condo. He escaped the thorns that surrounded the fa?ade.


    ¡°This was probably Manny¡¯s idea,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    He was shaking when he opened the door and was met with Catherine¡¯s quirky but beautiful sublime face. She was in cargo shorts and a sweatshirt.


    ¡°Are you going to stop me from entering or what silly act is this?¡± he covered his eyes with a hand.


    She walked away all peevish. He closed the door and hung his jacket in the cloakroom. This was just a Condo with small and very expensive features but he made it equivalent to everything a well-furnished house should have.


    ¡°Show up after what? A week,¡± she threw her hands in the air walking into her room.


    ¡°Four days-it has been four days don¡¯t whine about it,¡± he plucked at the cuff of his shirt.


    She was on her bed. The room was littered with empty food packs and bags from shopping. Xander recognized the logo of the supermarket she might have gotten these.


    ¡°Holy shit don¡¯t tell me you went outside Catherine!¡± he yelled.


    ¡°So what if I did?¡± she picked a piece of cuticle from her sleeve. ¡°I don¡¯t see you showing up much,¡± she rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°Are you crazy? What if-¡±


    ¡°Manny got them you can rx now,¡± she raised her brow smiling.


    ¡°You got me all worried,¡± he rubbed his forehead and sprawled on the couch.


    ¡°Who else would have gotten them?¡± she undid her ponytail and shook out her hair.


    ¡°Looking all pretty for me I see,¡± Xander lifted his chin.


    ¡°You¡¯d wish,¡± she scrunched up her face.


    Xander left the couch andy beside her on the bed. He rested his head on a pillow. She twirled at her ear lobe and dropped the book in her hand.


    ¡°I want to ask you something,¡± he moaned close to her ears.


    ¡°Your breath is hot,¡± she twirled her hair.


    ¡°Now tell me what you saw that night before,¡± he said softly.


    ¡°That¡¯s digging too deep,¡± she rolled to the side and her eyelids drooped.


    ¡°You need to tell me, Catherine,¡± he propped his chin on his hand. ¡°Let me listen so I can help.¡±


    He gazed into her eyes and stroked her hair to the side. She blinked and she drew in a deep breath.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she exhaled.


    ¡°I¡¯m right here with you,¡± he held her hand. ¡°If it gets too intense to let out, there¡¯s no trouble in holding back.¡±


    She sat up on the headboard and leaned on Xander.


    ¡°That night I had a bad dream¡­ I saw him,¡± she wilted. ¡°Finley came out the door and ran to attack me outside in the garden. It wasn¡¯t just that,¡± she clenched her toes. ¡°It was first a woman, an old woman. She had dark eyes and white skin. She also had a brown scarf around her neck. She morphed into what I thought was Finley. Her gown wore a patched-up overall,¡± she gripped Xander¡¯s arm.


    Her breaths shuddered. Xander rubbed his hands on her shoulders.


    ¡°That is all I need Catherine say no more,¡± he consoled. ¡°I will have one of my pack members find out about this olddy.¡±


    She pulled the sheets over her body and pressed her face on a pillow. Xander rose up from the bed. He nces back at her. He turned away and proceeded to pick up the mess in the room.


    He grabbed a trash bag in the kitchen. He lowered and picked up every empty food packet, soda can, shopping bag, and tag.

 Mayfair

    Someone came banging on the door the next morning. Xander never slept through the night. His face was heavy and his eyes were swollen. He had been expecting a call back all night. Manny was unavable so he resorted to someone else. He fears something must have happened to his new inside man.


    Catherine was still asleep buried under the sheets. His senses were heightened and responsive to every move the outsider made. Xander went out back to sneak on the intruder. He was stealthy and quiet.


    ¡°Odd,¡± he thought. The scent was very familiar like it was his. Xander crept to the side of the floorboards on the porch. He could see the dusty boots of the outsider.


    Xander looked up at him. It was a hazel-colored skin young man in a beanie. His back was turned to Xander.


    ¡°It was just you,¡± Xander smacked a hand over his face. He was relieved it wasn¡¯t a foe who hade seeking revenge.


    ¡°Uh¡­ Xander, I mean Alpha,¡± Joni panicked when Xander jumped and appeared behind him. ¡°I swear¡­ I should have called but my phone died and-¡±


    ¡°Did you make your findings right?¡± Xander extended his hand to the brown file Joni held.


    ¡°Yes, Abigail Forester,¡± Joni jolted. He brought out a carbon copy picture from the file. ¡°Says here she died some year back.¡± He chuckled nervously, ¡°Like way, before I was even born, I mean I¡¯m not that young but-¡±


    ¡°Get to the point,¡± Xander said with a stern face.


    ¡°She was murdered by a Marion,¡± Joni cleared his throat and rubbed a palm behind his neck. ¡°James Marion.¡±


    ¡°My father?¡± Xander looked away.


    Catherine stood inside staring out the window. She saw theckluster in his eyes. How it dawned on him to hear one of his father¡¯s past grievances came back to haunt him. To hurt her.


    ***AT THE MANOR***


    In her bedroom, the curtains were covered up and the room was dim red and hot. Her face was raddled and haggard from sleeplessness. Jamal huddled in a corner waiting for her call.


    She pulled over the sheets and wore her flip-flops. She dragged her feet on the ground. She stretched and yawned pulling the draws of the curtains. The sunlight bloomed her face. Her beautiful brown eyes shun.


    ¡°Get my shower running,¡± she looked over at Jamal.


    ¡°Like-like now,¡± he stuttered.


    ¡°No in the next hour,¡± she threw her bo at him.


    He ced the bo in her drawer and went into her bathroom. He regted the steam for the hot bath. He came out and saw her robe on the ground. He looked over at the curtains and witnessed the curvaceousness of a bright my body.


    She was bare in all her beneath-the-surface features were alighted. She didn¡¯t mind Jamal having a look. She looked into his eyes and straightaway, he stared down at his feet.


    ¡°My body hurts like hell,¡± she whined. ¡°Do get off on me you perv.¡±


    ¡°I cane backter,¡± he turned away to the door.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wander off too far,¡± she warned. ¡°We will be leaving soon,¡± she rested a hand on her hip.


    ¡°I will be right outside,¡± Jamal maundered.


    He opened the door and shut it lightly. The lewd thoughts scampered around his mind. He jolted away down the halls.


    ***


    She limped down the steps to the living room. Her body had grown weaker ever since the Seer paid a visit. She never came out of her quarters until now. Jamal was always there to tend to her requests. Now he was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t show his face anytime now-¡±


    ¡°I have the car ready and set to go outside,¡± Jamal came in dangling the car keys in his grip.


    She exhaled and extended a hand for him to aid her. He rushed to her side. She put an arm over his shoulder and they walked carefully towards the door.


    ¡°A moment ago you were on you were strong on your feet,¡± he turned the doorknob open.


    ¡°Well now is not a moment ago, is it?¡± she groaned.


    ¡°I¡¯m just surprised this could be you,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°What did you just say,¡± her forehead creased.


    They stepped out the door.


    ¡°Oh nothing,¡± Jamal squinted his eyes to the rays of the sun.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Faye snorted.


    They were sided in each other¡¯s arms walking to the car Jamal parked out front. Jamal was distracted by a girl who had the bright-colored hair of Sandra. They walked the same way and gestured in all likeness.


    He lost focus on his steps and Faye stubbed her foot against the fountain curb.


    ¡°Shit,¡± she moaned.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he looked back at Faye. ¡°I¡¯m so, so sorry Luna,¡± he begged and tried holding her hand.


    ¡°Apologize again and miss your way to the afterlife,¡± she scowled pulling away from him.


    ¡°Very stupid of me,¡± he bowed lightly.


    ¡°Very,¡± she scoffed and snatched the car keys from him. ¡°I will drive for the first hour, you will take over after.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he opened the door of the driver¡¯s seat for her.


    ***


    They had switched seats on the road. Jamal was now at the wheel. He looked at the map Fayeid on the dashboard for directions. He figured they were almost at their location. He tapped Faye gently to wake her up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch,¡± she took off her shades. ¡°Are we there yet?¡±


    ¡°Just the next turn and we¡¯ll reach the holding of the neighboring pack,¡± he smiled into the center mirror.


    ¡°Look at you checking yourself out,¡± she teased. ¡°Drive us into a tree and you think Xander would cover the insurance.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of the Alpha, forgive me but he has been absenttely,¡± He made a slight nce at Faye and stared back at the road.


    ¡°Well, you can ask why whenever you see him,¡± Faye tittered and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.


    She looked out the car window. The turn was near. There were rocky hills ahead with less verdancy.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my ce and you know it,¡± he drummed his fingers on the wheel. ¡°Don¡¯t you guys hang around each other much?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s say there was a time when I thought I loved him and he loved me back,¡± she cocked her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°Till it was back and forth. He got bored maybe and wanted more, but I never stopped,¡± she let out a sharp breath. ¡°I never stopped loving Xander Marion.¡±


    ¡°That was-it was so not expected,¡± Jamal itched his temple and made a turn to the left.


    ¡°We are there now,¡± she stiffened.


    They parked at a ranch. They were met with a big old man and a short olddy by his side. Faye got out f the car in a jiffy and headed to approach on her own. Jamal dashed to her side.


    They met at the end of a cornfield.


    ¡°Who is Mayfair?¡± Faye jutted out her hip. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s the old wrench.¡±


    ¡°The big guy doesn¡¯t look so friendly,¡± Jamal breathed out. ¡°I guess I can take him if things go south.¡±


    They inched forward to the ranch owners.


    ¡°I am Mayfair,¡± the old woman croaked.


    Mayfair collected a knife from the man next to her. She pulled off the sheath.


    ¡°So what do we need to do?¡± Faye rested her arm on Jamal¡¯s shoulder rolling her eyes at the old woman. ¡°You already know why I am here¡­ right?¡±


    ¡°You came to reform a bond that never was. You failed to hold a mark with your mate, your Alpha,¡± Mayfair coughed. The man holds her hand and pats her lightly on her back.


    ¡°Eww¡­ carry on,¡± Faye furrowed her brows.


    ¡°So you need to make a mark with another,¡± Mayfair wheezed. ¡°They shall have life linked to yours. If you want to sever the ailment from the Moon Goddess, do you have a life to spare?¡±


    Faye looked at the old and nodded. He sat the woman on a chair. Jamal was confused, and Faye let go of him.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on,¡± he opened his palms in the air.


    The old man charged at Jamal. He darted in the other direction, but the old man was fast. He took Jamal by the neck and held out one of his hands. The old woman inched forward with a knife in her hand.


    Faye rolled her sleeves. Mayfair made cuts into the arm. A sh to the left, a sh to the right on her forearm.


    ¡°You see that Jamal,¡± Faye smiled. ¡°It won¡¯t hurt.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the hurt,¡± he struggled on the ground. ¡°I¡¯m worried about after. We never talked about this.¡±


    Jamal was overpowered. He tried to slip away. The old man pushed him to the ground and kneeled on his back.


    ¡°Faye help me!¡± he yelled with his face pushed against the muddy ground. ¡°Don¡¯t let them do this.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only a few cuts don¡¯t be a baby,¡± Faye sighed. ¡°You are loyal to me anyway. This just made it official,¡± she knelt to the ground and dusted dirt from his hair.


    Mayfair turned to Jamal. The old man had Jamal¡¯s arm stretched out. Mayfair made her cuts. The blood on the knife was wiped with a ck-beaded cloth.


    ¡°You can let him go now Henry,¡± Mayfair rubbed his shoulders.


    The old man grunted and took his knee off the young beta.


    Jamal was released from Henry¡¯s hold. He got up to his feet fast and drew out his ws.


    ¡°You are gonna get it old man,¡± he growled.


    ¡°Stand down,¡± Faye kicked dirt at Jamal. ¡°He is twice your size. And he¡¯s a werewolf that looks sadistic as hell. He¡¯ll rip you apart.¡±


    Henry brought out a lighter. Mayfair took it and burnt the bloodstained cloth. The ashes blew away with the wind.


    ¡°It is done,¡± Mayfair opened her arms wide and inhaled looking up into the sky.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Okay witch, no thanks from me,¡± Faye shed the old Lady¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Jamal mored.


    Mayfair dropped to the ground. Her blood flowed down the buds of cornrows.


    Henry took a wad of cash from Faye. He dragged Mayfair¡¯s body to the ground as he walked back to the ranch.


    ¡°It¡¯s a harsh world isn¡¯t it,¡± Faye winked at Jamal.


    The poor beta was trembling in fear. He was still raveling what just happened in the brief moment.


    ¡°He was in on it too?¡± Jamal ced his palms on his chest.


    ¡°Move your ass beta,¡± Faye walked back to the car.


    ***


    The young beta was freaking out all through the ride back to the Manor.

 Unexpected guest

    In a new light of morning. The squad had returned but in fewer numbers. Eric and all his members were intact but they had lost the sparkle in their eyes. Shawn returned alone. He left all his squad members for dead in the deep forest up north.


    Manny had a sack bloodied at the bottom in his hand. He waited in the courtyard and sat by the fountain. The others went in to rest. He looked up at the balcony for his Alpha toe out.


    ¡°The innocent wolf returns,¡± Jamal came from out back.


    ¡°I see the Luna had you on a leash for some time,¡± Manny rose to his feet.


    ¡°Says the Alpha fanny pack,¡± Jamal cocked his head and folded his arms around his chest. ¡°Oh¡­ you didn¡¯t get the update. Your boy took your ce. He has been up and about running errands for the Alpha. And now you came back with what? A blood bag or some shit,¡± he looked at Jamal¡¯s grip on the bloodied bag.


    ¡°It¡¯s the head of a rogue you dummy,¡± Manny confronted.


    ¡°I never told you to disclose that information,¡± Xander said on the balcony staring down at the two young betas.


    Jamal nodded at his Alpha and walked away. Manny now embarrassed, slouched his shoulders.


    ¡°You came back alive that¡¯s worth a life saved,¡± Xander rubbed his palms. ¡°Come on in and clean yourself up. We have a lot to catch up on.¡±


    Manny bobbed his head forward and marched down to the door. Joni was already at the door going out.


    ¡°Hey man,¡± Joni gestured with a thumb waking out.


    Manny gave him a side-eye and closed the door behind him.


    He dumped the bag on the ss center table. The severed head of a roughed-up bearded man rolled out of the bag.


    ¡°Bloody rogue,¡± he scoffed.


    He left the head out of the sack right there in the living room for any anyone and everyone to see. His belly ached and he checked out the kitchen. The dishes were empty and nothing ptable was in the drawers and cupboards.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t restocked the snacks yet,¡± he grumbled and mmed the empty freezer.


    Manny headed up the stairs all tired and hungry. The halls were filled with story-starved young betas and deltas. They hoarded him. He managed to reach his room door, but they bombarded him with questions as he searched his pockets for his key. A thought shed in his mind.


    ***FLASHBACK***


    He was running from a rogue in the woods. Sandra and Ruben were knocked out cold. Eric was up against two other rogues from a distance. Manny hid behind a tree. The rogue after him was a full-beard husky with a smug face.


    The rogue was getting closer to where he hid. His options were to face him head-on and die inbat, or run and still get attacked and killed by the rogue. He went with the first.


    The rogue appeared before him. Manny was shaken with undeniable fear. The rogue got him in a lock. He wrapped his arms around Manny. He suffocated the air out of the young beta.


    In Manny¡¯s attempt to slip a hand out, the rogue mmed him on a tree bark. Manny was free but he gasped for air. He crawled away from the rogue.


    Not so fast buddy.


    The rogue pulled him close by the legs. Manny kicked back but it wasn¡¯t helping to fend off the rogue. He mped his hands on Manny¡¯s neck. He squeezed tightly till the young beta¡¯s face reddened and water tears filled the corner of his eyes.


    This is the end.


    He stared into the man¡¯s crossed eye. He felt a piece of metal poking his thigh. He reached for it fast and stuck it deep into the rogues next. The attacker¡¯s blood sttered into his mouth. The rogue was strong but enough to withstand and keep his hold on Manny¡¯s neck.


    Manny dropped to his knees and left the piece in the staggering rogue¡¯s neck. He picked a pace from his low state on the ground and pounced on the rogue, bringing him to the ground. He stuck his finger into the opening of the attacker¡¯s neck. He sought a key in his hand and tore the flesh of the rogue round.


    He stuck his hand deeper till he snapped the neck to the side. A bone poked out of the slightly dangling head. Manny tossed the key on the ground. It fell into the shrubs. He grabbed the rogue¡¯s almost severed head and snapped it offpletely. He deemed the able-bodied husky headless.


    He held his head up in his hand and roared as his blood poured down on his chest. Like a bloody rain, he was drenched in the blood of another.


    Eric had taken down one of his attackers. The other was still struggling with the squad leader when he saw Manny howling and running to their stance. He pulled away from Eric and scattered into the bushes.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone now,¡± Eric halted Manny from going after him.


    Sandra and Ruben had gained consciousness. They ran to meet Eric and were startled to see Manny in a different color.


    ¡°You bathe in the blood of your enemies,¡± Sandra awed.


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t ying,¡± Ruben fisted into his palm.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    They were victorious. Shawn came out of the bushes with the shirt of the rogue runner tied across his arm.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the rest of your squad?¡± Eric asked.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t make it,¡± Shawn¡¯s eyes darkened.


    ¡°Wits has a lot to show for,¡± Ruben snickered. ¡°Manny took out a big one.¡±


    ¡°I think he was the one who led them out here,¡± Sandra said wriggling her wrist.


    ¡°The young beta proved himself,¡± Ericuded.


    ¡°You can take this head back,¡± Shawn tossing the shirt to wipe the blood off his face.


    ¡°Man I need to wash off,¡± Ruben whined.


    ¡°You were knocked around all day don¡¯tin,¡± Sandra gave him a stern gaze.


    ¡°I guess we didn¡¯t move up the rank today Eric,¡± he jerked Eric by the side.


    Manny stared and put the head in a bag. He looked down at his bloody hands.


    ***PRESENT***


    He realized his key was gone. He would have to meet his roommate for a spare or take the risk of breaking through the door.


    Jamal was an asshole to ask a favor these days.


    He turned the knob and the door was already unlocked.


    ¡°Good gracious,¡¯ he sighed with relief.


    He shut the door on those who waited on him outside in the halls.


    He stripped naked and went straight under the shower. The squad had washed up in a motel on their way here but he still wanted the water on his body.


    ***


    Xander came down the stairs and met an unexpected face seated. He grabbed an antique spare from the wall.


    ¡°You have got some nerves, Drew,¡± Xander steadied the spare.


    ¡°Ie in peace,¡± Drew uncrossed his legs.


    ¡°You daree up in here,¡± Xander scowled. ¡°You killed Jackson.¡±


    ¡°My pack divided after your coronation,¡± Drew fixed a smug on his face and spread his arms on the chair. ¡°It came to my ears you had nothing to do with my daughter¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°About time you came to your senses,¡± Xander ced the spare back on the wall and seated across Drew.


    The room was empty. The made had carried the severed head and cleaned up the smeared blood all over the center table. Any wolf that proceeded toe down the steps turned back up when they sighted the two Alphas alone in the living room.


    ¡°The Elders reclined my investigations,¡± Drew stroked his beard. ¡°So now Ie to you or directions.¡±


    ¡°You did threaten a lot of people, and I was at the receiving end,¡± Xander massaged the back of his neck. ¡°How can I be of help to the one cast away by the Elders and themunity atrge?¡±


    ¡°The rogues you hear of are outcasts,¡± Drew lifted his chin. ¡°I have never raided with my pack. We were rumored to be the bad guys. The rogues are wolves without a purpose going around just hurting and maiming.¡±


    ¡°You know so much I see,¡± Xander leaned back in his chair. ¡°For an innocent man, you have quite the intel on these rogues.¡±


    ¡°Think what you may of me Xander Marion. I speak the truth,¡± Drew jolted. ¡°My daughter who left us so soon was meant to be marked with you. If that had happened I wouldn¡¯t have fallen into this grief that deprives me of joy. Yes, I started the rogues but it was a rebellion to find justice for her. The wolves were consumed by the power and misled.¡±


    Xander could see the sorrow in Drew¡¯s eyes. He wouldn¡¯t speak ill in the mention of his daughter.


    Xander recalled his moment with her before she died. Catherine was intoxicated in the car. Drew¡¯s daughter hanging on to life by a thread. He did thest bit of her passing.


    He got up from the couch.


    ¡°We will carry onter Drew,¡± Xander said. ¡°My condolences again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave so soon,¡± Drew rose from his seat.


    Xander reeled away with unclear emotions.


    Drew could sense the agitation Xander was letting on. And that alone put Drew back in a state of suspicion.


    Once again, Xander was his number one suspect.

 Search in the woods

    It had been two long weeks. The days were restless at the Condo. Xander had not beening around. His trusted messengers; Manny and Joni took turns showing up in the first week. On thest day, Joni made hisst drop of supplies tost her the next week.


    ***A WEEK AGO***


    He dropped a box of groceries in the kitchen and noticed her huddled in a corner.


    ¡°You sure have the habit of creeping me out,¡± he walked up to her.


    ¡°You might as well call me the day creeper,¡± she palmed her cheeks.


    She crouched to the kitchen lint floors. Joni sat next to her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he fiddled with the beads on his finger and red at her.


    ¡°I will tell you¡­ If you tell me why you wear a beanie,¡± she smirked. ¡°Like it¡¯s the same grey beanie every time,¡± She chuckled softly tugging the beanie on his head lightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not much of a story really,¡± Joni leaned on the wall and cracked his knuckles. ¡°My younger brother-he uh¡­ had cancer,¡± Joni rubbed his eyes.


    ¡°I am sorry to hear that,¡± Catherine consoled rubbing a palm on his back.


    ¡°The beanie¡­ he made it for me at the health center,¡± Joni sniffled. ¡°I always teased his knitting but he had it all packed up for me¡­ the day he uh¡­ passed.¡±


    She didn¡¯t know what to say. It was like she never knew the right words to say at times like this. They both rose to their feet. Joni smoothed down his jeans and tilted his beanie.


    ¡°I better get going now,¡± he let out a sharp breath. ¡°Oh, you haven¡¯t said-¡±


    Catherine hugged him close. He was reluctant at first butter gave in to thefort she offered.


    ¡°You know what? I promise you a story the next time we meet,¡± she inched backward and pulled away slowly.


    ¡°That¡¯s cheating and you know it,¡± he turned away and walked to the door.


    ¡°No it¡¯s not,¡± she winced pressing a finger on her lip.


    ¡°See you whenever. Bye,¡± he opened the door and waved at her.


    ¡°See you whenever much,¡± she pouted her lips and waved at him.


    He closed the door behind him and walked to the car. She watched him out the door. She clung on to the moments she shared with another. As long as she was alone.


    ¡°You are my favorite,¡± tapped the window ss smiling.


    ¡°That¡¯s a big lie,¡± heughed entering the car.


    *** THE PRESENT***


    She was tired and lonely in the luxurious space in which she was confined. The paintings and portraits, from the ceilings to the walls, reminded her of why she missed home. She never thought of going back once, since she was indirectly kidnapped to the condo.


    She sat on the steps reading books from tales of old and new. She avoided the bed because it took her into mindless dreams of more and more loneliness. She forced herself to stay away from the windows and doors at night. The temptation to go outside grew by the day.


    She had enough of her restrictions one night.


    Xander can get mad all he wants.


    She went outside with a ck hoodie and grey joggers. She took her first walk outside. She hadn¡¯t felt the grass under her feet. The cold breeze on her face circled around her body, touching the leaves and palming the trees. The songs of birds were soothing to her ears.


    She walked down a narrow road to theke. She stood at the banks at watched the calm ck water. In the pale light of the half moon, she dipped her feet into the water sitting on the lower bank. She looked far at the skyline.


    She took a few pebbles and tossed them into theke. The first toppled on the water twice. The second went in with a ssh. She drew back her hand to toss the third when the dizziness kicked in. She got up to her feet dumping the pebbles into the water.


    The birds scattered away from the trees. Wolves howled in the distance. She reeled to the narrow path from where she came. She tripped on a protruding stem and fell first face to the ground. Her eyes and felt her body being lifted. She opened her eyes slightly. She is being moved further away from the condo. She shut her eyes and passed out.


    ***


    She woke up on the cold floor in a dimly lit room. The bulb twitched every few seconds. Her sight was blurry but she knew a redhead when she saw one. She stared down at Faye, from her leather skintight body suit to her knee-high boots.


    ¡°Faye¡­ what is-¡±


    Bam! Faye hit her in the head with the end of a club.


    ***THE NEXT MORNING AT THE CONDO***


    Xander walked to the door with Manny and Joni waiting by the car. Xander got the impression something was wrong. He couldn¡¯t hear her heart thumping from inside like he used to. He didn¡¯t hear the quick feet of her getting off her bed when a visitor came knocking


    He let go of the doorknob and walked back. He turned to Manny to Joni. He snapped his fingers at them.


    ¡°Quick. Search the woods!¡± he ordered.


    The two spread out fast and surveyed the perimeter. Xander rocked back and forth when the thought hit him. He whistled to call the boys. They came running fast.


    ¡°She¡¯s not here,¡± Xander groaned.


    ¡°Can she be missing?¡± Joni looked over at Manny.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t leave the condo just like that,¡± Manny folded his arms.


    ¡°Wait here,¡± he ordered.


    Xander ran till he saw the nearest tree. He climbed up the tree bark and swung from a branch and to a higher point. He crouched and looked around for traces of where she must have wandered.


    He swung down to a lower point and jumped down. The others whom he ordered to wait behind were up on the trees too. Theynded next to him.


    ¡°I am d you didn¡¯t wait behind,¡± he red at them.


    ¡°Could be a test of faith,¡± Joni swung his arms.


    ¡°We weren¡¯t taking those chances Alpha,¡± Manny rubbed his palms.


    ¡°What did you get up there Delta?¡± Xander turned to Joni.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°I caught an unlikely scent in the narrow path,¡± Joni rubbed a thumb on his temple.


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± Xander ordered.


    The three ran and jumped on their feet. They stomped the ground with every step they made.


    They were on a narrow path. Xander walked up front. Manny stopped to look around. Joni lowered to pick up tracks of footprints in the dirt.


    ¡°Did you get anything?¡± Manny knelt by his side.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe it,¡± he stared with awe as he dusted the dirt off his palms.


    They walked up to Xander in front. Their Alpha was about to jump onto a tree again when they halted him.


    ¡°We got something,¡± Joni breathed out.


    ¡°Speak. Now,¡± Xander scowled.


    ¡°The footprints I tracked were one of the most unique in the Manor,¡± Joni gasped. ¡°She tried to cover it up but she was sloppy,¡± he scratched behind his beanie. ¡°It was Faye.¡±


    Manny shrugged when he heard the name. Xander pounded his fists.


    ***MOMENTS LATER***


    They were at the Manor. Joni and Manny guarded the exits of the hall. Xander knocked on Faye¡¯s door. She was in her nightwear when she opened the door. Xander burst in and mmed the door.


    ¡°Where the hell is she?¡± he roared at her face.


    ¡°Hey, hey chill out there all might Alpha boy,¡± she gesticted. ¡°Who is she?¡± she raised a brow.


    ¡°You took her. Even when she wasn¡¯t in your space,¡± Xander banged his fist on the wall. ¡°Where the hell is Catherine?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯te into my room yapping all this nonsense,¡± she backed away. ¡°Didn¡¯t she die?¡± Faye ced her hands on her hips.


    ¡°You are ying games with me,¡± Xander¡¯s face hardened. ¡°You think this is one of your sick jokes!¡± he banged his fists on the wall. This time he left a crack on the wall.


    ¡°Thrash my room all you want,¡± she packed her hair to the side and turned to her mirror. ¡°We¡¯ll get to know who the real delusional one is.¡±


    Xander knew he couldn¡¯t threaten to kill her to get answers. She might have a backup n to take Catherine¡¯s life. As much as he raged he would have toe to terms with whatever she demanded.


    ***


    He threw amp into her mirror. The ss shattered across the carpet floor. She sat by her makeup stand and propped her chin on her palm.


    ¡°Now that you got that out of your system,¡± she narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°You treat an innocent life like it¡¯s nothing,¡± Xander pointed and clutched out his chest.


    ¡°I had my doubts she wasn¡¯t dead just yet,¡± Faye raised her chin. ¡°When you disappeared every now and then with your minions you made it so easy,¡± she moaned.


    ¡°You followed us,¡± Xander grunted.


    ¡°Funny how I¡¯ve nevere across her scent there until now,¡± she smiled and crossed her legs. ¡°You had just moved. The obvious,¡± she prodded. ¡°Now you can make two choices. One actually but you do you am I right?¡¯ sheughed.


    ¡°Answer me this, did you hurt her?¡± his eyes darkened.¡± ¡°Because if you did-¡±


    ¡°You would do nothing,¡± she stood up with a straight face. ¡°As long as she¡¯s alive right?¡¯


    ¡°What do you want?¡± he grunted and inched forward.


    ¡°Lovely of you to ask. I thought you¡¯d be a tough nut to crack,¡± she clutched a hand on her neck. ¡°Well it goes thus; you will make our bond official,¡± she walked to open the curtains.


    ¡°What do you mean official?¡± Xander squinted. He raised an arm to shade from the rays of the sun.


    ¡°By getting married duh¡­ and not for a show like the coronation,¡± she gestured with a show of hands.


    She walked up to his face and tugged at the cor of his shirt.


    ¡°The legal binding,¡¯ she brightened. ¡°No one wille between us now.¡±

 Void of Doom

    ***AT THE MANOR***


    The room was heated. Faye was in her sleeves and skin-tight leather pants. She pranced around Xander who was looking out the window. He patiently waited for her from having her bah to getting dressed. She put her arms around him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t push it,¡± He grimaced. ¡°Take me to Catherine. That was the deal, Faye.¡±


    ¡°Come on now. We are going,¡± She glided her palms down his shoulders.


    She backed up slowly. Xander would set off any moment.


    She went to add finishing touches to her face by the dresser. Xander pivoted and went out the door.


    ¡°I will be out in a minute,¡± she said right before he stepped out.


    He left the door open.


    ¡°You might as well let everyone in,¡± she scoffed applying her eyeliner.


    One of the maids passed by her door.


    ¡°Get in here you,¡± Faye called her.


    The maid was frantic standing before the Luna. Faye put her makeup kit in her drawer. She carefully made steps over the shards on her carpet.


    She inched forward to the maid. The poor girl stared down her feet holding the edges of her skirt.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name girl with two buns for hair,¡± Faye raised the girl¡¯s chin up.


    ¡°Marianne,¡± she said softly. Her blue eyes opened up at Faye.


    ¡°I mustn¡¯t meet the room the way I left it,¡± Faye let her go.


    ¡°Yes Luna,¡± Marianne nodded.


    Faye turned to the door. The maid quivered at the m of the door.


    ***


    Xander had given Manny and Joni a dismissive wave. He wanted them to have no part in this.


    They retreated back inside. They turned back to nce at Xander a few times if he just might call them back.


    Xander rested his head on the driver¡¯s seat ring with brooding intensity. Faye came out of the Manor. Jamal came to her side.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were heading out,¡± he brushed his hand on the fountain.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember answering to you,¡± Faye straightened with a nce. ¡°Stay back. If you don¡¯t hear from me. You know where to find me.¡±


    Jamal nodded and waited at the fountain. He watched her get into the car.


    Xander fixed a bold at Faye. She looked away to the fields as she sat next to him. He turned back to the wheel and started the engine.


    ***ON THE ROAD***


    Xander was headed a few clicks north of the ck waterke. He set a gaze on the road. He didn¡¯t look to the side once. Faye pointed the directions through the windshield.


    ¡°If it turns out you are stalling¡­ I am gonna kill you,¡± Xander grunted and stepped on the gas.


    The car sped up on the road. Faye jolted to the dashboard. She protected her face with her arms. She raised her head up and locked in her seatbelt.


    ¡°You are trying to kill me already,¡± she whipped her hair to the side.


    ¡°Your death will be painful,¡± he nced at her.


    ¡°Gosh the pain,¡± she covered her mouth in pretense. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to meet the shapeless void of my doom,¡± she snickered.


    Xander swerved to the right. Ahead was a shady barn house. Deserted and left with old farm tools and equipment littered around the pallid fields.


    He parked at the crooked nk signpost.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Faye tried pushing down the lock. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m not gonna run off into the woods or something,¡± she scrunched up her face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope not,¡± Xander unlocked the doors.


    They came and walked together from the front of the car. Xander held her arm tightly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to die out here in this filth, do you?¡± his eyes went round the exterior of the barn house.


    He walked steadily uphill dragging her by her arm. She was cking off so he pulled her close again in case she got any ideas.


    ¡°I propose we go around back,¡± Faye itched her hair. ¡°This front is stuff and dirty and together.¡±


    ¡°There,¡± his eyes shed to an open shed.


    ***


    Xander pushed Faye inside first. The barn house was stacked with mostly hay. A small room with dull light was down at the left end.


    ¡°Down there right?¡± he pushed her forward.


    ¡°Now that your precious human is no longer lost but found,¡± Faye stomped her feet and turned to Xander. ¡°I guess I am done here.¡±


    ¡°I say you are done when we are done,¡± he growled.


    They walked further and entered into the smallpartment. The space was cleared out and empty. There were restraints on the wall but Catherine wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Faye?¡± Xander¡¯s eyes widened with murderous intent.


    ¡°Xander¡­ I know what it looks like but-¡±


    He bashed her head against the wall. She struggled to break free but he held a w down on her back.


    ¡°You fucking liar!¡± his ws prated on the surface of her back.


    ¡°It was never the n,¡± she winced. ¡°Xander believe me. I never intended for this to happen,¡± she panted.


    ¡°Toote for you,¡± he breathed on her neck.


    Faye closed her eyes and inhaled sharply to meet her end as the Alpha promised. She opened her eyes to sight a leaf rustle in from the open steel door and resting on a piece of a brown piece of cloth in a corner.


    ¡°Look-look there¡­ over there,¡± she jerked her head in the direction.


    Xander lowered his head to look down at the lying withered fabric.


    ¡°Do you take me for a fool?¡± he pressed his ws deep into her back. ¡°Or was that a failed attempt to stall?¡±


    Faye sucked her teeth in pain.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the deal¡­¡± she squealed. ¡°I broke a deal with this olddy. She¡­ she had ns for Catherine. I lured you out here because this was where west met. I brought Catherine here I swear.¡±


    She wailed in agony when he scratched down on her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°If you are lying-¡±


    ¡°I am not!¡± she hollered.


    He withdrew his ws from her back and turned her to face him. He pinned his grip on her neck, hitting her head again on the wall.


    ¡°Tell me more about this olddy,¡± he grimaced.


    She pointed at his hand to release her from the chokehold. He let go and she fell to her knees coughing.


    ¡°She came from an abandoned house not too far from here,¡± she breathed heavily. ¡°I can take you. Please promise not to kill me,¡± she pleaded.


    Xander looked down at her with utter disdain in his eyes.


    ***


    The dark clouds were over the raunchy abandoned house. The rain started in the depressing weather. Xander kicked down the door and stormed in.


    He found Catherine tied up and gagged. He tore through the ropes with his ws, barely leaving a scratch on Catherine¡¯s smooth skin. The old woman with dark eyeses from the inner room.


    Faye came in from behind her. The olddy fidgeted. Faye struck her down with a fist.


    Catherine cried in Xander¡¯s embrace.

 You鈥檙e weak

    The witch¡¯s first appearance was a decoy. Her unconscious body on the ground faded into thin air. Like the fleece of a sheep blown by the wind. Everyone was stunned by this ambiguity. The corners of the room were dust-filled with massive cobwebs and extensive dark paintings that looked like contorted ravens on a branch.


    Faye stepped back and looked and Xander. She owed him assistance for an act of betrayal. She was not going to be around much longer in this abandoned cabin. The breeze blew the door open.


    She looked at her escape.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Faye said.


    Xander was less belligerent and only cared for Catherine right now.


    She slowly transformed. Her clothes tore into shreds. Her limbs bulged with furry intensity and build. Her eyes were green like aurora. She growled as her ws sprung out.


    She was a beautiful ck wolf. Her eyes were brightened in the moonlight. She paced her hind legs and sted through the door. She was fat on the yellowish-green fields.


    A foreboding threat was brooding. He realized Catherine was not making sounds or movements. Her body was still and immotile. Her warmth still coursed through her body as he fell from putting a palm on her neck. Her eyes were wide open her hold on him wasid and she dropped. He caught her by the waist and gently ced her on the creaking floorboard.


    ***


    He wandered aimlessly inside the cabin looking for the olddy. He tore through the ceilings of the rooms. Demolishing the structure of the little space. He stood in the room Catherine wasid and stared out the broken porcin window.


    ¡°Show yourself you witch!¡± he rocked back and forth.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°An Alpha alone is defenseless,¡± her scratchy voice circled the room. ¡°How brave of you and very stupid toe here without a pack. What good is the head without the body?¡±


    Xander began to cough from the ck smoke that emerged from beneath him. He mped his arm over his nose and tried to run to Catherine. His legs failed him. He was not in possession of directing his body. A sudden hold from head to toe.


    His eyes looked around and he felt his face slowly stiffening. His mouth was still given the grace of utterance.


    ¡°You are weak!¡± he hollered. ¡°That¡¯s why you hide away in the darkness. I dare you toe out and face me!¡±


    He was feeling the thread of hopelessness. He failed to admit his powerless state and he was never the one to seek help in the years he had lived. The first man. The leader, who is headstrong and ready for battle.


    ¡°It is unlikely you would want to die for a human than live on to rule your pack,¡± her voice drew nearer. Xander strained his arm to squeeze a fist.


    ¡°I will not be defeated by your words and tricks,¡± his eyes were grim and his mouth was foamy. ¡°I will sniff you out and rip you apart if you hurt her. I will die here if I have to see her leave this rustic cag=din alive.¡±


    Footsteps came from inside the shadowed corner of the room. A frail human figure sheathed in the wings of a raven emerged.


    Xander strained his eyes. His palms opened free.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lock yourself away just yet,¡± the olddy inched forward.


    As though in suspended animation. He couldn¡¯t put up a fight. His sweat drops were scorched in the dark smoke. It was like he inhaled his death up close.


    ***ON THE ROAD***


    The beta and the delta are loyal to their Alpha and don¡¯t wait back at the courtyard. They had driven all the way north and were making their way uphill to a barn house. This was where theyst contacted Xander. They would make their search from here.


    ¡°Are you sure those are the right coordinates,¡± Manny grabbed the phone from Joni.


    ¡°Hey! Now you are worried?¡± Joni furrowed his brows. ¡°Before we got in the car you were less enthused abouting out here. You wanted to wait till he came back,¡± he took his phone back from Manny¡¯s careless grip.


    The phone dropped in between the driver¡¯s seat and the safe next to the armrest.


    ¡°The hell man?¡± Manny groaned. He reached and stuck his hand down to the seat to reach for the phone. The faster Joni drove, it pushed the gadget away from his hand.


    Joni pulled and made a turn where he saw the verdant hills.


    ¡°I think we are here now,¡± Joni gazed at the roof of the barn ahead.


    ¡°Park outside don¡¯t move in,¡± Manny pointed at the crooked signpost. ¡°just in case we need to pull out from an ambush.¡±


    ¡°You are not telling me what to do man,¡± Joni stiffened. ¡°I am the one behind the well so chill,¡± Joni creased his forehead mping his palms tightly on the wheel.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t nopetition bro just park the freaking car,¡± Manny opened his palms in the air cocking his head.


    Joni drove in regardless. The ambience was sinister but there was no presence. Joni parked at an open shed. Manny nced at him with discontent unlocking the door.


    ¡°You can go around back,¡± he dragged a wooden te away from the opening. ¡°Let me check this out,¡± he turned to Manny dusting the dirt off his palms.


    ¡°This bustard,¡± Manny hissed.


    Manny went out back still. Behind the barn was less rummage and more foliage. He found tracks on the ground. He got down to feel the muddy prints. They wererge, extended, and aligned.


    ¡°A car must have gone through here,¡± he said looking at the road it leads.


    ***


    ¡°Hey Manny,¡± Joni inched backward when he saw w pints of blood on the ground.


    His eyes widened by the wildering effect in the confined space. The lights twitched incessantly. The walls were smashed in at one end.


    Joni trembled when Manny rushed in hitting on the arm.


    ¡°There¡¯s a trail out back. I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s Xander¡¯s car,¡± he tugged Joni on the arm. ¡°Jeez. Who¡¯s blood is this?¡± he palmed the back of his neck.


    ¡°Man this ain¡¯t human blood,¡± Joni lowered on the ground to touch the moist spill. He rubbed his fingers together, ¡°No way Xander got ambushed.¡±


    They went out back to check out the trails. Joni was confident he could trace the tracks.


    ¡°We can move on foot,¡± Joni signaled Manny. ¡°He is not far¡­ I know it,¡± he looked at the dark narrow road.


    Joni jolted upright and turned to Manny. Manny jammed his hands into his pockets and stared at him, ¡°You mean we should run?¡± Manny raised a brow.


    ¡°I guess so,¡± he smiled and winked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be winking at me Nigga,¡± Manny scoffed. ¡°Sus as hell.¡±


    Joni had started running. Manny joined him from behind.

 Witch

    In the dark of night. His body was slowly conforming to that of a statue. He had been losing himself to the witch¡¯s will. His body wasn¡¯t fighting anymore. He opened his eyes and saw the ck raven crouching next to Catherine. His eyes turned to Juniper.


    Your promises don¡¯t mean anything.


    Never again would he disappoint her. Not now, not ever. He hit the suddenly, gaining full awareness of his body. His ws protruded. He got a hold of his motors. The witch noticed he regained his strength. She stood up and pointed at him about to mutter a spell.


    ¡°You damn witch!¡± he jumped and spread out his ws mid-air. He came down on her, and unfortunately, she disappeared into a dark smoke. She blurred his vision and left him disarrayed. Xander meandered around lowering to the ground to get a feeling of Catherine.


    It was pitch ck. He couldn¡¯t see a thing. His senses were heightened. The witch phased around him. He grew infuriated by her hollow appearance around him.


    He made a step forward and his foot made contact with a body on the ground. Catherine. He was relieved she wasn¡¯t taken away. His thoughts settled and he focused keenly on where the witch would appear next.


    Her voice was once again circling around his ears. His eyes went round the room but he couldn¡¯t see her wholeness just ck feathers lying around him.


    ¡°Stay put,¡± she warned. ¡°You think you can get through this with a hassle,¡± she tittered. ¡°Your guard has always been down. I can strike down just once,¡± her voice became stern.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Her presence elevated the darkness in the room.


    ¡°I will never submit to a witch,¡± he scowled. ¡°You want to y tricks all day long?¡± Xander stomped.


    Xander pulled his hair back. He was ready to charge at her as soon as she appeared. He steadied his chance and looked at the dark corners of the room.


    ¡°The pride you Marion men have is driven by irrational and blind motives,¡± the old witch submerged from the ceiling. Xander stepped back to guard Catherine.


    Her wings spread out, revealing her face. Her dark eyes gleamed. The feathers of the wings rapidly withered. Her arms were pointing out at both sides. Her chest, torso, and down to her legs were concealed in her patchwork overall.


    ¡°What do you someone like you know about a Marion?¡± Xander grimaced. He steadied his stance hovering Catherine.


    ¡°I will not give you answers you seek,¡¯ she jaunted towards him. Inches away from his sharp werewolf teeth.


    This is my chance.


    Xander charged towards her stretching out his ws yet again. He went right through her.


    ¡°I missed?¡± he was dumbfounded. He looked down at his long calloused hands. He imagined ripping her apart. Now a rip was made in his mind.


    ¡°You don¡¯t learn, do you?¡± she reeled behind him.


    It was as if she floated in the air. Partially levitating as her feet never met the floorboards. Xander looked back at her. He stared into her vicious eyes hovering above him.


    ***


    The area surrounding the cabin started to experience a rumble. The ground was shaking, and the few trees around fell to the ground. The wind was blowing with full force and barging into the blockades of the entire cabins. The windows, doors, and any slight opening.


    The Alpha was scared that useless to both Catherine and himself.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way I can protect either of us now,¡± he looked at Catherine with shaky breaths.


    Poor Catherine was still lying quietly unconscious.


    ¡°You cannot fathom what great power lies here,¡¯ she crosses her palms on her chest.


    She raised her chin up and Catherine¡¯s lifted in the air. Xander wasn¡¯t to catch on. He jumped high to grab a hold of a leg. The witch didn¡¯t his finger the slightest chance to make contact. Xandernded with a loud thud to the floorboards.


    The old witch was now between Xander and Catherine.


    Catherine¡¯s body levitated behind her. Her arms and legs spread apart with her head lowering down. Xander rose up from banging his fist on the ground. The olddy resorted to her telekinesis. She sent an armchair flying his way. The alpha was struck down. He rose up to his feet again with determination in his eyes.


    He had given his life up for Catherine long before now. The old witch wouldn¡¯t be able to change his conviction. He ran to strike and boosted himself into the air with a footstool.


    The swung a wave swatting him against the wall. He pivoted from his knees. She sent another wave. Stronger this time. Xander went straight into the wall. He grunted in pain struggling to get a stance in the next room.


    ¡°I will rip your heart out your chest Alpha,¡± she warned with a grim. ¡°Back down now.¡±


    ¡°You might just have to,¡± he maundered and groaned. ¡°I have faced worse creatures than you,¡± he swiped a smudge of blood on his lips.


    ¡°You are nerve-wracking,¡± she grinned and balled her fists.


    The witch was beginning to detest Xander¡¯s undeniable relentlessness.


    ***


    After a series of uprooting sharp metal parts, and tree branches and sparing it at the Alpha. She mostly targeted his head. At this point, she wrecked the floorboards and he fell through. She didn¡¯t relinquish the time for him to stabilize himself from the fall. She broke the earth underneath his feet.


    She whirled a heap of sand into the ditch hended. She sealed it with a boulder.


    Perhaps this was a test of loyalty to predestined love for Catherine. Or not.


    The Alpha would breathe hisst breath that night. This night fell silent and the owls hooting rose in ordance. The whirlwind settled. The rumbling was no more. The cabin was dismantled from all sides. It only held its sheltering structure from above.


    Elli was floating and suspended mid-air. Her skin shines brightly in the moonlight. The nocturnal essence around her made her hair droop upwards when her body faced downwards. It was a sort of poltergeist orchestrated by the old witch.


    The sound of eager wolves came from a distance. The witch sensed other creatures heading this way. She proceeded to head in the direction when felt a tremor from a spot. It wasn¡¯t her doing. The ground in which the Alpha was embedded shook with pounding intensity.


    He was alive.

 Knew his father

    The boulder shifted and toppled over. The witch¡¯s eye widened. She just watched him make an attempt at survival. The alpha¡¯s fist burst out of the hardened soil. He made an opening with the other hand and the rest of the body from his protruded.


    He was soiled and his clothes were ragged. He stood and staggered forward. His eyes were closed. He looked up into the sky and little ounces of sand showered down from his head. He wiped his eyes and blinked at the crystal drop of rain that fell on his face silently.


    ¡°I see you have got heart,¡± the witch cocked her head opening her arms wide.


    ¡°You will never bring me down,¡± his breath shuddered. ¡°She wille home with him,¡¯ he pointed to Catherine, breathing heavily.¡±


    The rain started and the oing wolves had seen the cabin. It was a stone¡¯s throw away. They carefully meandered down the road with precise caution just in case of impending danger. Little did they know, the old witch had been awaiting.


    She smiled when an image of their faces shed before her eyes.


    ¡°I guess your pack is linked to you after all this pain and suffering you¡¯ve endured,¡± she turned to Xander and lowered to the ground. Catherine¡¯s body descended slowly behind her.


    They were a few feet apart from each other. Xander held onest confrontation in his steps as he inched forward.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you do to me,¡± he grunted. ¡°If you¡¯ve got a little conscience in that dark wilted heart of yours, let me see her.¡± He stiffened, ¡°up close.¡±


    She halted by him by standing in his way. She put her pointed her arms out at him.


    ¡°What?¡± he gestured.


    Blood trickled down his head and his body was weak by just forming a stance alone. She could see him slightly fidgeting.


    ¡°I will have you know¡­¡± she ced her palms on each other and prodded. ¡°You are the cause of why she is in this state.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± he defended. ¡°You speak nonsense,¡± he coughs out blood on his palm.


    He limped past the olddy. He rushed to Catherine and stumbled to the ground next to her side. He raised her head on his chest. She opened her eyes. Her eyes glinted at the sight of Xander.


    She ced her palm on his bruised face. She instilled a sense of calm in him. His eyelids drooped and he inhaled sharply from the pain he felt inside.


    He was healing but not as fast. The injuries he sustained would instantly kill an able-bodied human and would be potently ghastly to the life of a supernatural. Any other supernatural; a werewolf would be down on their back in trembling breaths.


    ¡°You are really hurt,¡¯ she said softly.


    ¡°I will protect you forever,¡± he groaned and shielded her in his arms.


    ¡°If you think that, then your mind is as frail as your predecessors,¡± the witch sneered. ¡°Such questionable intelligence you all possess in your line.¡¯This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he looked at the witch with scorn.


    ¡°She needs protection from you and your kind. And not you protecting her,¡± the witch jaunted towards them. ¡°You pose an imminent threat in her life Xander Marion.¡±


    ¡°You must be delirious,¡± he scoffed.


    Although he was lost and confused he wouldn¡¯t give in to helplessness just yet.


    ¡°Not everything works in the way you want,¡± the witch gestured. ¡°Your father was a living example.¡±


    Xander struggled to get to his feet holding Catherine by his side. He wobbled on his stance and was likely to copse at any moment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare speak of my father like you knew the man,¡± he scowled.


    ¡°Trust me, I did,¡± the witch said confidently.


    Xander made an effort to utter another word in anger. He felt his back reclining to hold a stance. He and Catherine dropped, luckily a trusted beta and delta were able to aid them by the shoulders before they both met the ground.


    ***


    Xander sat on the grey field with Catherineying her head on hisp. Her eyes were closed. The Alpha stroked her hair gently


    Manny and Joni guarded Catherine and Xander from any potential threat the witch would throw at them. So they thought.


    They were ready to charge at the olddy any second now.


    Their eyes burned with passion to fight for their Alpha and Catherine to their death. Manny made the first move to attack the olddy.


    ¡°Stand down,¡± Xander cautioned with a wave.


    Joni was surprised by the sudden regression. Manny held his ground and turned to his Alpha.


    ¡°I see they take after their Alpha,¡± the witchughed. ¡°The young beta would be swallowed into the ground if he made a stop in his steps,¡± the witch rubbed two fingers on her temple.


    Manny felt disrespected. He wanted to charge at the olddy but he would be going his Alpha. Just like Jamal, he had grown more egotistical he clenched a fist by his side.


    Joni awaited orders from the Alpha. He realized his Alpha wanted to take the conversation route with their foe. He slouched his shoulders when he noticed there was no cause for action.


    It was obvious from the expression on their faces.


    ¡°If you think I¡¯m going to let you leave here safely you are wrong,¡± the old witch red at Xander.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you think,¡± Xander scoffed. He ced gently ced Catherine¡¯s sleeping head gently on the ground and pivoted to his feet.


    ¡°Is that a threat Marion?¡± the witch raised a brow.


    ¡°What does that sound like to you?¡± Manny interjected with a grin.


    The witch shrugged him and turned to the Xander.


    ¡°You re my words like they shouldn¡¯t be heard,¡± the witch said sternly. ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid Marion.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Alpha Xander to you bitch,¡± Manny spat down to her feet.


    The witch flicked her wrist at him. Suddenly, Manny was manned to his knees and yelling in agony. The sound of his bones crackled. He curled on the ground afterward. His joints were undergoing a rearrangement.


    Joni jolted in to help bynding a kick at the witch. His kick went right through her.


    ¡°Did she just phase?¡± Joni was whelmed with awe.


    She appeared behind him. And again with a flick of a wrist, he contorted on the ground. His body shifted into positions as though it was a full moon.


    The curse they all had to bear once a month. They experienced it on the spot.

 Cloaking spell

    Joni had Manny had felt this pain this immense even on the night of the full moon. The witch had induced the pain to scold. Xander raised a hand at the witch and stopped himself from striking her.


    He thought twice about her fading away again.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Xander yelled.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t bear to watch me scold these insolent wolves?¡± the witch teased.


    She swiveled her wrist and the young boys passed out cold on the ground. Xander crouched to their side to feel the pulse in their necks. He narrowed his eyes at the witch and rose to his feet.


    ¡°Oh you think I killed them?¡± she sped her hand over her mouth in pretense. She clutched down her palm on her arm and walked around Xander, ¡°It is not my ce to take the lives of these wolves. They have a calling of their own.¡±


    ¡°What happens now?¡± Xander asked with his arms folded. ¡°Would have us fight you so you can trample on us to your heart¡¯s content?¡± he raised his chin.


    Catherine was still unconscious on the ground. Her hairy down perfectly on the grass. She raised a hand in the air and pointed up her finger.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Xander asked the witch worriedly. ¡°I swear if-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try threatening me,¡± the witch palmed her neck. ¡°Let nature take its course. Catherine is doing this all on her own but she might not be aware when she wakes.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s finger started to form symbols in the air. They were like faint smoky words in the air. Xander was bewildered and unsure of what to do. He turned to the witch and gestured for an answer.


    ¡°Tell me what she means,¡± he ordered. ¡°Come on witch. Isn¡¯t this the dark vague stuff you can trante?¡± Xander squared his shoulders


    ¡°You demand a lot,¡± the witch yawned. She pped in the air and the symbols vanished. Catherine¡¯s hand withdrew back to her side. She was sound asleep.


    ¡°This is clearly a message she wanted delivered,¡± Xander banged his fist into his palm. ¡°Tell now please,¡± he forced himself to utter with a grumble.


    ¡°I like it when a man begs,¡± the witch snickered. ¡°Well¡­ she spoke to you from her subconscious. Other kindred spirits like her wouldn¡¯t spare you the benefit of the doubt.¡±


    ¡°Go straight to the point,¡± Xander said sternly.


    ¡°That¡¯s after the cloaking spell,¡± she said. ¡°I will intermediate. This has to be done with you and Catherine on my left-hand side and right-hand side respectively. No one will see or hear us,¡± she pointed to the lying young wolves.


    Xander walked back and forth. The drizzling of the rain stopped. He halted and hovered above his young pack wolves slowly gaining consciousness on the ground.     The witch walked up to Xander and took him by the hand. The first physical touch she made with him.


    ¡°She is real,¡± he thought as she led him to Catherine¡¯s side.


    She took Catherine¡¯s hand too. She sat on the grass between the puzzled Alpha and an unconscious human. Her wings emerged and feathers gathered around them in a spiral that encircled them till their visibility was no more. Xander couldn¡¯t even see his hands or the rest of his body. He heard the witch¡¯s wheezing and felt the hold on her hand but he couldn¡¯t see her and Catherine by her right.


    Manny and Joni were already awake and aware of what had struck them. They have fully recovered. They were looking around to find the wolf and human they knew so well. The area was clear with fallen trees and scattered farm machines, not to mention the cabin that had barely fallen apart.


    The wind gushed lightly to Joni¡¯s face. He raised his head rubbing behind his scalp. A leaf fell off his head and he turned to Manny.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the Alpha?¡± he tapped Manny on the thigh.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Manny stretched.


    They rose to their feet to look around. Joni picks his beanie from the ground, dusts the dirt from its edges, and adjusts it on his head. Manny wandered into the cabin to check out for anyone.


    No matter how hard they keened into their super senses they still couldn¡¯t seek out or sniff out Xander and Catherine. They lurched every nook and corner of a mile wide. They walked back to the front to regroup.


    ¡°Man we¡¯re screwed,¡± Joni panicked. ¡°I tried looking for tracks and-and nothing man. Nothing,¡± he smacked his palms on his temples.


    ¡°There are two things we can do right now,¡± Manny gripped Joni on the shoulder for sce. ¡°Maybe we could just wait it out here till we see a shirtless dude carrying a pretty in his arms. Or I reckon we still keep looking till daybreak. If we don¡¯t find them, we retreat to the Manor,¡± he seethed his teeth.


    ***


    Xander watched his young wolves search around for him and Catherine. He wanted to break free from the cloak to let them know they were safe and wouldn¡¯t bother if it would be bad if the Alpha pack knew of this. Not only would he be called a liar but he would be stripped of his rank and title and cast out as an omega. A lone wolf with no pack.


    The witch snapped him out of his illusion.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± she asked in her raspy voice, staring her ck eyes into his sudden emerald green eyes. His eyes have brightened from the dull grief and angst.


    ¡°I am,¡± he nodded.


    Their hands were still intertwined. The witch closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She opened her eyes in shock and red at Xander.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°You have to speak the truth,¡± her eyes widened. ¡°The truth of the secret you have kept so long.¡±


    Xander was struck with fear and knew no other way to confess his sin. His one great sin he deceived everyone about. Not the facy of Catherine¡¯s involuntary manughter. He murdered his mate with his own hands.


    ***FLASHBACK***


    They were just hit by a vehicle and were badly injured. Xander being a strong wolf was healing quickly. It appeared his mate was not. He looked up from the ground and noticed the hitter was unconscious in her car with her head bulging out the driver¡¯s seat window. He looked back to his mate who was in a ghastly state.


    The blood on the road was mostly hers. She was the one who held the rough end of the impact. They were bare and bloodied next to each other.


    ¡°Help me, Xander,¡± she winced.


    She held out her hand to him. He took her palm and kissed her softly on the cheek. A tear rolled down the side of his left eye. He sought to put her out of her misery.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay,¡± he shushed her mping her palm on her face, covering he mouth and her nose.


    She struggled with the little strength she had left. He was barely putting in any effort. She wasn¡¯t struggling anymore. She took her palm away and ced his head on her chest.


    No heartbeat.


    He rose up to his feet and staggered towards the car that hit them.

 Daughter

    ***THE PRESENT***


    If word gets out of Xander¡¯s secret, the whole Alpha pack will face a war that will ruin them all. At first, there will be division in their ranks and internal conflict will invoke an uprising. Lastly, when word reaches Drew of the Omega Pack, his once-buried suspicion wille to life with hatred for all that follow Xander. In the past and toe in the future. A bloodline and sire line will be wiped out of existence.


    Tears dropped on his bare chest. As much as he didn¡¯t want to take Drew¡¯s daughter as his mate he regretted taking her life, every single day he lived from then on. Xander was so sleepless that no one noticed. He was strong for the family he represented, Marion. And the family he is now representing Alpha Pack.


    Xander quivered at the breath of the old witch on his face. It was like a bird pping its wings at your face. He was brought back to reality. The reality he was to face head-on, then and there.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go locking yourself away in your mind just yet,¡± she held his palm in hers tightly. ¡°As hard as the truth is a huge pill to swallow, you will need to speak it,¡± she sighed. ¡°The girl you killed wasn¡¯t just someone dered to be your mate. She had dreams and ambition just like you and everyone else.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my burden and I chose to carry it alone,¡± he flicked a tear off his cheek and rubbed his eyes.


    He looked over at Catherine¡¯s glittered eyelids closed and without blemish. Not the small speck of dust from the ground she had beenying for most of the day. A lock of her pulled back and revealed a big bruise. The blood has sunk and dried in the depths of her hair roots.


    ¡°Where did she get that?¡± Xander nudged.


    ¡°What good will it do?¡± the old witch shook her head. ¡°It will take a few weeks to heal for her if she doesn¡¯t possess the power she does. Now a few days would do the trick for her.¡±


    Xander wondered if he really knew Catherine at all. The gruesome and few joyful moments at the Manor. Keeping watch on her in the human world with Jackson. The exciting and not-so-exciting times at the Condo. She wasn¡¯t the ordinary human he took by the hand and stared into her colorful and bright eyes


    . Some days her eyes were yellow like the sun, and the look in her eyes would take you back to young and vibrant memories. The days her eyes were brown, she looked into you and you see yourself in a different life and a new light that makes you expect the future.


    ¡°I knew her. Not everything but the best parts,¡± Xander¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you call her a witch or a human. Yes, she has been frail but also feisty. She is-¡±


    ¡°My daughter,¡± the olddy¡¯s wings came down and the feathersying around them rejoined the tuft.


    Xander had been in Catherine¡¯s life not too long as a soul mate and not too short to be an acquaintance. A lot of unexpected things he had witnessed today and before, but the old witch being Catherine¡¯s mother was just too tough to process.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    At first sight and description, he thought of the olddy as a powerful hermit. A witch of no coven even. She was somehow Catherine¡¯s mother. She was old, yes her eyes could tell tales of the moonlight.


    ***


    The cloak was down. Manny and Joni who remained at the cabin were surprised to see their Alpha just as Manny had said. ¡°A shirtless Xander Marion carrying a prettyy in his arms.¡±


    They were gripped with fear when they saw the olddy. She traumatized them with their very brief and hurtful encounter. The young wolves aided their Alpha.


    ¡°We will go get the car,¡± Joni pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°It¡¯s just a click away from here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s actually a few clicks away. Three,¡± Manny jerked Joni in the side. ¡°At a shady barn house uphill.¡±


    Xander gave them a dismissive wave. The wolves tarried along and ran up the moonlighted narrow path. Xander watched them run till he was only seeing Joni¡¯s beanie uphill.


    He looked at Catherine and tried to tug her awake. The olddy held back his hand.


    ¡°She will wake up when the time is right,¡± the olddy swung back her hand and sped it behind her back. ¡°One more thing¡­ don¡¯tpensate someone who has already epted to be in your life at their own will.¡±


    ¡°How do I proceed?¡± Xander asked with an open mind. ¡°The truth which will reveal itself will do just that in due time. I just want to protect her more than anything precious to me. As a matter of fact, she is all I have left in the end when the truth is out.


    ¡°You proved yourself to stand against me,¡± she smirked. ¡°Protecting her will just be as difficult. Don¡¯t hold back from the truth.¡±


    He understood what she was saying down to the bone. He would need allies now more than ever. Enemies from afar are far more dangerous than those around. You would never see theming. The foes around you will make them clear to your face.


    His father, James, made a lot of enemies than he made friends. This was hard for him to challenge tough times. No one had his back. This was what led to his death. The attack came from very near I never saw iting.


    I am not my father.


    ¡°How do you know my father?¡± Xander went out of his way to ask.


    ¡°You father¡­ he was provocative,¡± she breathed out. ¡°Let¡¯s say he has a truth to tell. He didn¡¯t. And the truth came back to haunt him.¡±


    ¡°In my findings you murdered¡­ by my father,¡± Xander¡¯s forehead furrowed. ¡°Howe you are still alive and breathing?¡±


    ¡°I am a witch who doesn¡¯t die once,¡± she swayed a finger at his face.


    Xander jerked away to the road where the sounds of tires screeching came from.


    A car wasing from uphill downhill. The young wolves drove fast to reach here. Xander turned back to the olddy and he saw scattered raven feathers around. She had faded away yet again into thin air.

 Vulnerable Catherine

    In the rising of the dawn, Joni drives into the opened Manor gates. Xander was in the backseat, with Catherine gently resting on hisp in her cid unconsciousness. Xander held out a palm on the frosty side ss. Manny was passed out next to the driver¡¯s seat with a palm on his face, his head prodded against the car window as they went over a bump.


    The Manor was silent and was an embodiment of hope. At least now that the Alpha pack was all away from the Manor. The full moon was around the corner and they would usually leave the manor a few days prior.


    The two pirs in the fa?ade of the Manor held a g: a bare human figure. Arger human with an arched stance bearing ws on the hands and feet, hairs foreshadowing the face. s sheathed in fur from in its seven-foot length from its forehead to the tip of its tail. on four strong furry legs, then up to the hackles, neck to the forehead was raised. Ivory teeth appeared between its jaws.


    It was the beginning of the day. The fields were covered with dews. The air was cold and breezy. The car made a stop at the courtyard. The fountain water had be icy, and the edges sparkled with short pointy crystals forming attice.


    The Alpha¡¯s car had broken down back at the old witch¡¯s cabin. From the turbulence of discrepancies anchored by the which, at the time, the Alpha¡¯s car was hardly intact. The car windows had been smashed by tree branches. A fewpartments like the bumper and side doors


    Joni turned off the engine. He felt a slight warmth from his beanie. He scratched his head and turned to wake Manny. Manny was already awake and staring straight at the crevice of the fountain. The spot where he had once sat with a love he wished to be true. Although the love brewed but fire that burned in their hearts was quenched too soon. He closed his eyes, held his head up high, and balled a fist.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°There¡¯s no n to stay warm forever in here,¡± Xander unlocked the door and stuck out a leg on the ground. ¡°One of you should grab me a coat from inside. Two coats even,¡± he observed the hairs on his bare upper body standing.


    The beta and delta turned to each other¡¯s faces in anticipation of who was going out. Without hesitation, they both went out the car doors and shut them standing outside in the harsh cold. They nce at each other walking over to the fountain, rubbing their palms over their arms incessantly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take that long to respond Delta,¡± Manny breathed out pulling his sleeves over his wrist. ¡°It makes the Alpha think we are ipetent or sometimes¡­ just be active alright man.¡±


    ¡°I am as active as I will ever be-Woah,¡± Joni held Manny from almost slipping on the ground.


    He looked surprised the Delta woulde to his aid all of a sudden. They walked to the doorstep and he gestured for Joni to wait.


    ¡°You can wait here. I will go grab the coats,¡± Manny went in.


    Joni looked back at the car. He barely saw anything through the ice-zed windshield. The door of the entrance mmed shut. Manny was out with a grey and brown trench coat hung over his shoulders.


    Although they had they had sleeves on, and were supernaturals, obviously, they couldn¡¯t alter the weather like the witches or boldly roam in extreme cold like the vampires and other creatures alike.


    ¡°I will be deep in a hot bath soon,¡± Joni chuckled. ¡°But we gotta meet up with the others at theke.¡±


    ¡°Man I¡¯m not feeling it today¡­ the whole hanging with the others. The thing is we got no choice right?¡± Manny jerked away. ¡°Theke is probably filled with chained and freaking locks to hold us down at some lower parts of the banks.¡±


    Joni rushed to his side, ¡°The Alpha took his chances bringing Catherine here. Yes-we are still going to take her back to the condo,¡± he muttered. He rubbed his palms, ¡°I don¡¯t know what he has nned but¡­ let¡¯s see. We go where he goes, we fight where he fights.¡±


    Manny nodded and deep his hands fast into his pockets.


    They walked back to the car and saw Xander already behind the car. He was wrapped in a sheetid in the trunk. He had Catherine covered too. He carried her in his arms.


    ¡°What took you boys so long?¡± Xander grimaced. He walked to the fountain and turned back to look at them. He raised a brow, ¡°head back to the cabin and find everyst part of my damn car.¡±


    Manny inched forward for a suggestion.


    ¡°It¡¯s all a pile of-¡±


    ¡°Pile of what?¡± Xander scowled.


    ¡°What he meant was¡­ the uh¡­ parts are all gone. If not, scattered around in that old ce,¡± Joni swaying his hands.


    Xander fixed a stern look on them. They sped their hands behind their backs and slightly lowered their heads.


    ¡°Did you guys hear me stutter?¡± Xander¡¯s forehead creased.


    ¡°No Alpha,¡± they both said stepping back slowly.


    ¡°Now get going!¡± Xander ordered.


    They were short of words but mostly stunned by their Alpha¡¯s drastic out-of-pocket move. The delta got in the driver¡¯s seat and the beta got in the side. The Delta started the engine and reversed. They drove away from the courtyard and made their way past the fields northward to the gates.


    Xander pulled over the sheet from Catherine¡¯s pale and sublime face. He picked a lint off her cheek and covered her eyes to her forehead, leaving an opening for a breather. The sheets were thick and tacky, he wouldn¡¯t want to suffocate in her state. In other words, she was a vegetable.


    ***


    The shutters were closed. The room was heated by the thermostat. The Alpha in his robe had settled in his room with vulnerable Catherine on the bed. He was infuriated about the clueless state he was in. The thoughts of having to fight the Alpha pack over Catherine if the insidious truth came out. When the secret is in the light he would have no power over anything.


    ¡°That fucking witch was vague as hell,¡± he scattered his fingers in his head thinking back tonight. The look she gave him before she morphed into her ck raven.


    He would have no choice but to convince Manny and Joni his most trusted wolves, to join forces with the Alpha pack. They would want to fight to the death for the Alpha. His hands were tied. Innocent blood will be shed because of his reckless and selfish decision.


    ¡°I am useless,¡± he palmed his forehead looking at Catherine tucked in asleep on the bed. He knelt on the carper, squeezing the loose sheets in his hands. He bowed his head to the ground and groaned aloud.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let this happen!¡± he gently rose to his feet.


    He turned to his mirror and clenched his fists tight. His eyes were in a rage and he gnawed into his teeth. Moments away from smashing his fist through the standing mirror, ck feathers circled behind his reflection in the mirror. He turned back to see the old witch in her ragged attire smiling.


    ***


    Xander and the old witch sat across Catherine on the bed. She was physical and the bed pressed when she sat. Xander keenly watched her, he put a hand on the bed first before sitting.


    ¡°Marion, what are you doing?¡± she nudged. ¡°This anger isn¡¯t changing anything. Okay smash stuff and break things you can rece, but once that secret reveals itself there will be a myriad of irreceable things. Things you held dear,¡± she nced at Catherine. ¡°Don¡¯t be a monster,¡± she sighed.


    Xander mped his palms on his knees and breathed out, ¡°I-I don¡¯t even know¡­ how to tear my family apart with my own hands.¡± His face reddened, ¡°If I don¡¯t then they will do it themselves. And now you call me a monster for not harming them.¡±


    The old witch looked at Xander, ¡°It is best the truthes from you, there¡¯s still hope in that. The darkness that exists now will only breed more darkness if the truth escapes the lips of another.¡± Her nose crinkled, ¡°I will not guide you. This is your path and your path alone. Catherine has nothing to do with this and you know it. She could lose her life in all this,¡± the old witch said sternly.


    Xander palmed his neck and raised his chin, ¡°I know. I know what it takes.¡± He turns to the olddy¡¯s dark hollow eyes, ¡°No matter what happens, Catherine will see the end of it. She is not going to suffer the aftermath or anything beforehand. You have my word.¡±


    The old witch stiffened, ¡°Your words are meager to me. It never meant anything then, it does not mean anything now and will never mean a thing, to me nor to her,¡± pointing to Catherine. ¡°You are at a crossroads here, Xander Marion.¡±

 Arrogant Alpha

    In the ascension of the blooming sunshine. He opened the shutters and the yellow light burst through the dark shadows at all corners of the room. The old witch was a stranger to sunlight. She caved into the little portion of shadiness in the room. Lurking in the shadows of her own raven wings. The Alpha is forced to acknowledge the detriments of his decision.


    ¡°I can change this,¡± Xander said. ¡°I know I can.¡±


    ¡°Change is a natural effect,¡± she said. ¡°It is bad as it is good. And it always happens whether you like it or not.¡±


    Xander turned back to the mattress and sat next to where Catherine was lying. He gently ced a hand on her head tofort her mindless inability to wake. She will be brought back to live her reformative life. The life of a supernaturalter on. A kindred spirit has its spiritual awakening.


    ¡°What about her?¡± Xander raised a brow. He held a lock of Catherine¡¯s hair behind her ear. ¡°When will she be awake? I know she cannot bear witness to the wrath yet toe but still¡­ I want to know.¡±


    ¡°It is best she is kept safe away from all this,¡± the olddy inched forward. Her dark shadow followed behind her. She made a stop on the carpet that held a portion revealing a floor tile. ¡°And I wish I could do something about it if I could¡­ but she has all the power to do so. As I have said the time we met before, she is no ordinary human,¡± the olddy cocked her head.


    The heat began to kick into the atmosphere. The melting of the ice was heard from the pointy crystal falling and crashing to the ground. The fountain in the courtyard, the roof of balconies, and the shade of areas outside the Manor were now lively and more colorful.


    Everything and everywhere was less pallid and more luster. The Alpha had a little hope in his eyes. It will rise to destroy his doubts and insecurities. As the case may be he needed more grit and grind and the greatest trust from his Alpha pack down at theke.


    ¡°I will approach the Elders in due time,¡± Xander said with a straight face. He tensed and leaned back on the headboard. ¡°What could go wrong if I state my reasons bluntly?¡±


    ¡°You think this confidence is somewhat intrepid?¡± the olddy snickered. ¡°The Seer alone can testify,¡± she turned to Xander shuddering shallow breaths. ¡°Yes, I know of it all Marion.¡±


    Xander stiffened, ¡°The truth will be in on their hands. They should do as they please. A Marion will not go down so easily-


    He stood up from the bed and marched to his dresser.


    ¡°The father of myst mate is in an Alpha in themunity as I am. If worsees to worse we will face each other head-on. I will end Drew on the spot if he makes an inch to attack,¡± he pinched the air.


    He pulled the dresser to veil himself. The olddy was powerful in her malevolence she must have been seeing through him since she appeared. The dresser wouldn¡¯t conceal the thinnest cavity from her sight.


    The olddy looked away and moved close to Catherine. She ran her fingers on Catherine¡¯s thin curved eyebrows. Xander shut the dresser hesitantly. He was in his greybat pants and white sweatshirt. He smoothed down his sleeves walking towards the old witch.


    ¡°That¡¯s about enough of the touching,¡± he warned.


    ¡°My daughter? You wouldn¡¯t have mey a touch on her. Arrogant Alpha?¡±


    ¡°Yes. And now take your hands off if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Xander¡¯s eyes burned like bright emeralds. His ws were slowly protruding.


    She leaves Catherine¡¯s side and phases to the front of the tall standing mirror. It gave Xander a slight fright. He withdrew his ws and rushed to Catherine¡¯s side. He checked for a pulse that instant in case the so-called mother had any wrong ideas.


    ¡°Silly of you to have these defensive thoughts,¡± she tittered palming her cheeks. ¡°I would love to keep you this angst but I have to show you what awaits you¡­ if you make the wrong decision that is.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want any of your parlor tricks in my quarters, the vicinity surrounding the manor, and heck if it¡¯s a mile radius from here,¡¯ Xander scowled.


    He gave her an ill look. Her silhouette faded away into thin air. Xander jolted to his feet and maintained a circumspective stance in the middle of his room. Her raunchyughter ran past his ears. Her voice was near and the intensity in the room was high.


    The mirror made a crack.


    ¡°The hell?!¡± Xander turned to his reflection.


    The olddy suddenly appeared by his side with a finger stretched to his temple.


    ¡°You have to see it to believe it,¡± the olddy took her finger off Xander¡¯s stock-still body. ¡°Witness it with your eyes.¡±


    ***MIRAGE***


    The Alpha was taken into another realm. Dark and twisted paths through the forest. He stood rooted in astonishment among long thorny trees. He took a step forward and sighted a meadow goldenrod tree. A voice called out hisst name. Marion.


    ¡°Catherine is that you,¡± he stepped over the branches extended on the road.


    The leaves fallen from the tree made a heap to the stem. He walked over to the tree bark, inches away from the heap of yellow and orange leaves. He crouched to his knees. He observed everywhere around him. The rustling leaves of the trees, the flowing green grass, and the gentle soft wind that hit his face.


    He dipped his hands into the heap of leaves. A person was crawled up and covered by the leaves. The face was covered with ck long hair. He locked the hair to the side and admired the alluring hazel brown eyes.


    ¡°Catherine,¡± he said softly.


    He brushed off the leaves from her face and felt a thick warmth trickling down his palm on her neck. He yelled in disbelief. He got her up from the ground and shook her arm. Her chest wasn¡¯t beating the living heart. It was silent and eerie.


    ¡®Bite marks on her neck. She was attacked,¡¯ he thought.


    His eyelids drooped. His veins were coursing with a soul of vengeance against the first wolf he would see. He carefully rested her body on the ground and keened his senses.


    He thought to transform. His sleeves ripped from both sides. A slit from the neckline down to the bottom end of the sweatshirt.


    Out of the blue. The grounds were shaking at his feet. Howling came from a distance he ran and jumped on the meadow goldenrod. He leaped from one branch to the highest peak for vision.


    ¡°Perfect kill,¡± he groaned.


    Faye was leading the pack of wolves headed his way. The multitude of his Alpha pack. He saw two heads on a spike carried by two of the strongest wolves in the Alpha pack; Eric and Shawn. His heart was stoked when he got a clearer view. One of the heads had a beanie. Joni. And the other is a low-tapered Manny. They were severed and elevated on a spike. The Alpha was anguished, wing into the tree bark.


    This was for their treachery. The fealty they pledged to me cost them their lives in the end.


    Faye caught sight of him. Immediately, the wolves by her side made uniformity with her line of sight and dashed to attack Xander.


    One after the other they transformed into seven-foot hairy beasts on four legs. Xander jumped down and pounced on one of the wolves. He held a wolf by the neck and jerked an elbow into his head. The wolf fell t to the ground.


    He had his ws out at the neck of one of the other wolves when a light from the sky pointed directly at him. This caused the other wolves to retreat. The one in the sky was a hooded manying a hand to Xander.


    Xander felt his body raised from the ground. A force took hold of him and sent him breaking his back into the big trees scattered around the forest. He felt consciousness slowly leaving him. s, he smashed into arge boulder. The hooded figure in the air came down to him.


    He was wrong. The hooded figure wasn¡¯t a man. He thought of it to be the seer but the seer holds no such power. The hood came off and a pale-skinneddy with long ck hair pranced towards him. He steadily rose to his feet.


    She walked fast and her yellow bright eyes were fixed straight at him with an intent to kill. She held no weapons to impale. In the event her eyes were yellows this time, why would she want to harm him? Xander Marion.


    Xander jaunted towards her, ¡°Elli-¡±


    She stuck her hand into his chest. His heart was squeezed in her fist. He gulped out blood and stared down at her feet. She was elevating again. She plucked his heart out of his chest, leaving him to die on the ground. He raised his head high with the underlying strength to nce onest time.


    ***THE ALPHA¡¯s QUARTERS***


    ¡°Catherine!¡± he yelled falling to the carpet.


    The olddy was arms folded staring down at him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That was just a glimpse of an expected reality,¡± she said.


    Xander crawled to Catherine¡¯s side of the bed.


    ¡°No. No¡­ that-that is not real you witch,¡± he looked back at the witch with a grim. He turned back to Catherine and lit up his eyes to her on the bed.

 Dark eyes

    He was brought back from an alternate reality. He faltered with the images in his head.


    ¡°With your eyes, you can see can¡¯t you?¡± the old witch snickered. ¡°The path will still go on if you choose to recede your steps.¡±


    ¡°This is not supposed to happen,¡± he turned to the old witch. ¡°I said I will find a way. To put to this, all of this can¡¯t happen. It won¡¯t,¡± he held on to Catherine.


    His palm on her hand he felt her temperature run high. He pulled the sheets to cover Catherine¡¯s body to her neck.


    He leaned back to Catherine¡¯s side. He felt the heat emanating from her body.


    ¡°You said she will be fine!¡± he roared at the old witch. ¡°I trusted you. You gave me your word and now she-¡±


    ¡°She is waking up Marion,¡± the old witch kneaded her slouch shoulders and palmed her throat in sudden relief. ¡°You miy your trust Alpha.¡±


    Xander heard the resonance of her breaths. No longer weak and underlying. He was ddened, not to the witch, not to him but to Catherine¡¯s perfect timing.


    ¡°She is awake,¡± Xander smiled and jerked out augh of ease to his troubled mind.


    He rose from Catherine¡¯s side and sped into the bathroom. The rushing of the running cold water in the tub was the turbulence that lightened up Catherine from her deep wake.


    ¡°Xander,¡± Catherine yawned.


    ¡°You have quite the sleep,¡± the olddy said.


    Catherine looked around the room to see who spoke. The room was clean and silent. Xander came out of the bathroom and came to Catherine.


    ¡°Oh Catherine¡­ you are-you are here now,¡± he held her in his arms and kissed her forehead.


    ¡°Was there someone here? Someone else?¡± Catherine leaned back raising her head to the ceiling.


    Xander realized the old woman would strike a fear in Catherine. That must be the reason why she was cloaked. He was wrong. He blinked and the old woman was still visible to him.


    ¡°You are still here?¡± his breaths shuddered.


    ¡°I think I will have to put her to sleep myself now,¡± the old woman hollowed into the ceiling.


    Catherine slowly closed her eyes and went back to rest.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Xander scowled.


    ¡°I have done what it is I came to do. And upon a time when you see these dark eyes¡­,¡± her eyes narrowed at the Alpha.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to,¡± Xander scoffed.


    ¡°I may not spare your life as I did before.¡± Her wings sped around her. The atmosphere of the room was heavy on the skin and the walls began to shake. The old witch stepped towards the Alpha, he made a gasp of fright.


    ¡°You can decide what happens to you from here on out. It is your fate and be wise in your decisions,¡± she hollowed out in the form of a figure sheathed in ck feathers.


    The Alpha reverted to the soundless blowing of the wind. The pack was a few miles away from here. He had all the time to transport Catherine to a new location. Would never be too safe.


    ¡°Taking her away from here¡­ it is not safe.¡± He pointed to the window, ¡°Taking her back to the human world is where all the greatest threats lie.¡± He lowered his hand and shook his head lightly, ¡°The creatures with the most grudges-the vampires, are always on my tails in the human city, and now they have targeted her,¡± his eyes drooped to Catherine on the bed.


    The old witch vanished again. Her physical presence had faded into thin air and left the Alpha with many lines on his face. Puzzled.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    This wasn¡¯t a first. Her voice came back into the four walls of the Alpha¡¯s quarters and made his skin crinkle.     ¡°An Alpha can die from a brave action and live from a silly action,¡± the old witch said. ¡°It is all in the circumstance¡­ and right now the circumstance is one only you can put your finger on.¡±


    ¡°Her home is not an oasis,¡± Xander rubbed his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not like I can convince the whole pack to protect her, all I can do is form a human shield-scratch that¡­ a werewolf shield,¡± he opened his palms and crouched to sit on a pillow on the carpet.     ***AT THE LAKE SHORE***


    She stepped back every time the waves came to her feet. She wasn¡¯t scared of the water, nor disturbed by the wet sand that would stick to her feet, she just enjoyed the fun of it. In the moment she smiled at the outstretched length of the dark waters.


    She was happy to see him when he showed up with Manny. Her face glistened. Finally.


    ¡°The lone wolf returns,¡± she pulled her shawl off her shoulders.


    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s like I never left,¡± heughed opening his arms wide for a hug.


    ¡°You must have grown a little fight in you, hanging around the like of him,¡± nudging towards Manny.


    ¡°They learn from the best,¡± Manny snuck behind Joni.


    Joni felt the air blowing on his head. It was no longer concealed with the thick-cottoned beanie. He turned around to see Manny running into the dark waters with a grey cloth fisted in his palm.


    ¡°What the hell man?¡± Joni ran to him with arms over his head.


    ¡°Who would have thought¡­ a delta and a beta can get along just fine,¡± Sandra chuckled softly.


    She wasn¡¯t void of the dark waters this time. It washed to her feet, leaving her with a cold shrill. The rut feeling it was. She had no other choice than to join the two young wolves in the water. A step after the other, it got steeper. She was up to the point where the water was waist-high.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to swim against my wishes,¡± she snickered. ¡°I see the deltas are getting close to where we are¡­ and right now, I don¡¯t want that energy,¡± she held up her palms, raising her shawl in the air.


    ¡°You are gonna get that in the water now, careful,¡± Manny warned. ¡°The shawl is gonna have a funky smell when it¡¯s dipped in these waters, Sandra.¡±


    Manny evaded Joniing up from behind him. The delta¡¯s movements in the water were slow. Unlike Joni, Manny moved with ease. Unfortunately, he got over-confident and threw the beanie in the air with the hopes of catching it in his other hand. It dropped right into theke.


    Joni grabbed it from the surface before it got fully immersed in the water.


    ¡°Man you got it all wet,¡± Joni furrowed his brows.


    ¡°Well if you hadn¡¯t-


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t what?¡± Joni confronted.


    The delta was about to through a fit in defense of his half-soaked beanie.


    ¡°Who do you think you are sounding all serious?¡± Sandra sshed water on the Delta¡¯s face.


    They all burst intoughter.


    ***


    The other wolves were roaming the banks and a few were privileged in their walks. Most of the deltas had taken off their shirts and leaped off the banks into theke. Alongside the females. The whole bunch were free-spirited and were exploring the depths of the dark waters.


    They would swim back up to the surface and spit out water from their mouth. After a few of them got restless and tired they picked up another activity and swam to the shore.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a fire!¡± Shawn carried a delta on his shoulders and threw him into theke.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± The delta cheereding out of the water.


    ¡°We will go fetch the sticks,¡± Ruben suggested.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be long,¡± Shawn said. ¡°The full moon won¡¯t wait.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just 12 pm¡­ I think we still have half the day,¡± Ruben grinned. ¡°Alright let¡¯s go,¡± he turned to two deltas behind him.


    He went with a bald guy and a female with a scarf tied around her head. They didn¡¯t pick their shirts off the ground. Still wet with soaked jeans and shorts they went near the woods to snap branches.


    Shawn let the rest wander around till they came back. The guys still in the water swam to shore.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Shawn asked a delta putting on his shirt. ¡°This is the night to be wild and free,¡± he snatched the shirt from the Delta¡¯s grip.


    ¡°I just thought-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think, just be open like the rest of us,¡± Shawn took him by the shoulder for a walk close to the waves. ¡°We are not just wolves of the Alpha pack, we are the Deltas of the Alpha pack. We are not the usual ¡®keep your clothes on, don¡¯t get wet and all that stay in your rank¡¯ kinda wolves, you wanna know who we are?¡± he opened his palm for the Delta.


    ¡°Who are we?¡± the Delta looked up to Shawn and took his hand.


    Shawn pulled him close and hoisted him on his shoulders. He whirled and threw the young freckled-faced Delta into theke.


    ¡°The freaking Deltas!¡± Shawn arched his back and flexed his arm muscles. ¡°Whoo!¡±


    Ruben and the others came by with the sticks. The other Deltas began to gather around.


    ¡°You can start a fire right?¡± the bald guy dropped a bundle of sticks next to Ruben.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me man,¡± Ruben raised his palms in the air and walked away.


    ¡°I guess you are all talk then,¡± the scarfeddy kicked sand at Ruben¡¯s feet.


    Ruben turned back with a grim face, ¡°Just because I don¡¯t want to light a fire?¡±


    ¡°Just because you can¡¯t,¡± she walked up to his face.


    Shawn noticed the scuffle and came in in-between them.


    ¡°I like this,¡± Shawn pped in the air. ¡°Why don¡¯t we have a face-off? What do you think Deltas?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± they all cheered in cacophony.


    ¡°Eve and Ruben,¡± Shawn took them both by their hand to his side. ¡°We shall see the stronger Delta!¡± he raised their hands in the air.


    ¡°No way I am fighting a girl man,¡± Ruben scoffed dropping his hand.


    ¡°Prove yourself Delta,¡± Eve sneered. ¡°It¡¯s all talk then,¡± she spat on the wet sand to his feet.

 Cardinal points

    They spent the whole of the afternoon in the middle of the shore. Every wolf was riled up and was in the effect of going at each other amidst the fight of the Deltas. Wet sand kicked at the faces of the watchers. The fighters had sweat dripping down their chin and their hairs smacking on their foreheads.


    Shirtless and reckless in their attempts to pin the opponent to the ground.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s giving a good fight,¡± Shawn folded his arms and smirked in excitement.


    ¡°Not bad for a girl,¡± Ruben snorted.


    ¡°Let me show you bad,¡± Eve grunted.


    She lifted a foot from the ground, raising a heap of sand at the Deltas in anticipation. The dirt got on their moist bodies. They didn¡¯t mind and cheered on.


    Ruben nted backward, and her foot went over his torso. Bits of sand from under her feet crumbled on his chest.


    ¡°Oh what a cheap shot,¡± he teased.


    ¡°You are nothing,¡± her face contorted.


    He dodged her kicks like many others.


    ¡°Girl¡­ you can never make a hit,¡± Manny slouched and smiled.


    He hopped a step backward and stiffened his arm to throw a fist. He intentionally kept his attacks inches away from her face.


    It was an error from her end. She made a wrong footing and caught his fist to the side of her face.


    ¡°Woah!¡± Shawn bellowed.


    The Deltas were amused Eve would get hit. This caused a stir in her reaction. She looked at the muzzled eyes of the Deltas circling her. She felt her ego crushed due to her reputation in the ranks of the Deltas.


    ¡°What are you all looking at?¡± she scowled.


    The multitude fell silent, not because of her but Shawn. He balled a fist in the air.


    ¡°Eve you¡¯ve made your point,¡± he walked to the middle of the two. He points his palms to his chest, ¡°But just know I won¡¯t stop you¡­ if you want to go again.¡±


    ¡°I think don¡¯t she is,¡± Ruben cocks his head.


    ¡°The likes of you are not worth it,¡± she groaned sitting on the wet sand.


    ¡°I wish I knew what you meant,¡± he smiled and lowered.


    Ruben gave Eve a hand to pull her up. She pped it away and rose up in anger.


    ¡°Want to get out of here?¡± Ruben nced at Eve. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling it too just so you know.¡±


    ¡°Ugh,¡± she scoffed. ¡°Fuck off.¡±


    Eve slowly backed the gathering. She picked up her shirt on the shore and walked to the upper banks.


    ¡°This is me trying to be friends with Deltas,¡± Ruben sighed and left the gathering.


    He turned to theke when the others were cheering and observed Eve walking up to meet Faye.


    What business you both got going on?


    ***


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s settled,¡± Shawn turned to the multitude. ¡°We still have time if you guys want to let out some steam,¡± he punched a fist into his palm looking around at all the Deltas.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± the bald guy came forth rubbing his palms.


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ who¡¯s next?¡± Shawn squinted at the skinny-looking Deltas. ¡°Wait-wait, where¡¯s the beanie?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± the bald guy inched forward.


    ¡°Joni. Where the hell is Joni?¡± Shawn¡¯s face crinkled.


    The Deltas murmured at one another. They hadn¡¯t seen him around for a while now.


    ¡°I think I saw him in the water,¡± a female Delta said rubbing her shoulders. ¡°Hanging with the Betas,¡± she looked at the waves hitting the higher banks.


    Shawn shook his head and muttered, ¡°He really needs to stick with us. The betas will make him softer than he already is.¡±


    ¡°Want me to go get him?¡± the bald guy said with a grin.


    ¡°When the moon is out, he¡¯lle around Polo,¡± Shawn palmed the back of his neck.


    Two young male Deltas walked up to Polo. They marked their foot on the wet sand iming their turn to fight.


    ¡°You two on me¡­. I don¡¯t mind,¡± Polo smirked and footed a line on the wet sand. ¡°I¡¯ll snap you both like a twig,¡± he grinned.


    ¡°Okay, alright now¡­ anyone that can take down Polo gets to lead the next mission trail,¡± Shawn raised a brow and folded his arms. ¡°Right by my side of course.¡±


    Shawn opened his arms to receive a few more opponents for Polo. Three guys stepped forward. They were half the size of Polo and wouldn¡¯t mind a dig at him. Leading the next mission, or any mission trail is a privilege amongst the Deltas.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get way ahead of yourselves thinking you can get past me,¡± Polo stomped.


    Shawn left the circled gathering. The young Deltas came at polo one after the other. The first two were able to knock him off a footing. Polo gained bnce and was surrounded by six guys and a girl. The girl hopped a kick on his back. Polo staggered to the front.


    He was open and vulnerable to attacks from both sides. The first two guys from beforended a kick into his torso, the first time. The second time they were caught in a lock. Polo got a hold of their legs. Their eyes were shaky by their fumbled attack.


    Theid-back four were conscious of the crack of bones. They came to the aid of the first two who were rolling on the sand with their busted knees. The girl sought this chance to aim high. Shawn watched her keenly.


    Polo¡¯s guard was off. She climbed his shoulders to put him to submission. Her legs were knotted around his neck. She seized a hand and reached for the other. She grabbed it and Polo fell to his knees. To her short-lived victory, Polo got a grip on her braids. Her eyes widened. He pulled her down his shoulders, mming her to the wet sand.


    The four Deltas who were unscathed circled fast around Polo. The girl crawled away in defeat as did the other two who made an attempt and failed.


    They positioned Polo like the four Cardinals points.


    ¡°We can take him,¡± the delta at the north grinned his teeth.


    ¡°About time I make one of you bleed,¡± Polo cracked his neck and steadied his stance.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got him,¡± the south delta jumped on Polo¡¯s right foot. West delta followed suit.


    Polo jabbed the blows the east and north came darting to his face. The crowd was enthused and wondered if these four could actually bring down Polo. After the first Delta, Shawn, Polo was renowned as the second strongest Delta.


    The subdued deltas who tried their best at testing his strengths were recovered and watched closely at Polo¡¯s feat. They witnessed battling with him and his strengths were why the Deltas were seen as the cornerstone of the Alpha pack.


    Shawn took his eyes off Polo and stared at Ruben still standing at the mouth of theke. The dark waters swept at his feet. He looked at the line of sight of the young Delta. Gazing at the flying birds towards the upper banks. Faye and Eve having a close chat. Jamal stood a few feet behind, awaiting a dismissive wave. He didn¡¯t want to stand there much longer than he already was.


    ***


    The four wolves were on the ground moaning in pain. Their nose were red, forehead and cheeks blistered. They held on to a limb like it was about to break off. Polo stood over them jolting his fists in the air.


    Polo looked around for Shawn. He caught sight of him in his tank top walking up to the higher banks. The other Deltas clustered around him hailing his victory among his brave subordinates. He smiled and rejoiced with the lot.


    The fire had been lit on the shore. The hour waste and in a few, the night would fall upon them. The surface water was sparkling with starlights in the gloomy weather.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We have been in the water for a while,¡± Joniying afloat on a nk with his beanie on his chest.


    ¡°Not that long in,¡± Sandra rowed her nk to Manny. ¡°This menacing beta still went ashore to bring us nks,¡± she collided with his nk. Manny¡¯s nk turned over and his already preserved dry body was wet all over again.


    ¡°Ohe on Sandra,¡± with a grim, he mounted his nk.


    Joni sat with his feet in the water and looked up at the higher banks.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that-¡±


    ¡°Freaking Jamal,¡± Manny snorted.


    Sandra turned her eyes away. She felt amused by the fire on the shore and lowered to her nk ashore.


    ¡°Where do you think you are going?¡± Manny held her nk.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s looking over here,¡± Joni wore his beanie and nced at a few bodies standing on the higher banks.


    ¡°And there¡¯s the Luna of the year,¡± Manny grimaced. He let go of Sandra¡¯s nk and clenched a fist in the dark waters. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Jamal¡¯s kissing up to her. He knows better than to be protecting that-¡±


    ¡°Mind your words,¡± Sandra warned rowing back to them. ¡°She did turn him you know.¡±


    ¡°And what if she fucking did?¡± Manny jerked his feet in the water. ¡°You don¡¯t see me sucking up to Eric.¡±


    ¡°Eric¡­ he sure has been sitting alone at that one secluded palm tree,¡± Joni rubbed his chin carefully maintaining bnce on his nk. ¡°I never saw him get in the water once. At least Faye and the other betas washed their feet or something-I don¡¯t know,¡± he swayed his palms open sideways.


    ¡°Who gives two shits about Faye,¡± Manny sshed water at Joni.


    ¡°Your best friend is still staring down at us,¡± Sandra tugged at Manny. ¡°It¡¯s just sad,¡± she shook her head with a stern face.


    ¡°It will be oblivious if he just jumps into theke and swims up to you,¡± Joni smiles at Sandra. ¡°To profess his another failing attempt of love,¡± he winked. Sandra got upset and rowed back to the shore. Joni knew how the two betas parted ways and it was trivial of him to make a joke of it.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Manny turned to Joni all confused.


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± Joni palmed his face and lowered his head


    ¡°What?¡± Manny whispered. ¡°What is going on with you guys know that I don¡¯t know?¡± he raised Joni¡¯s head.


    Joni rowed his nk back to the shore. Manny rowed behind him. The Deltas still had their celebration going on. They had quickly set up a stand offering fruit delicacies. Sandra walked up to Ruben who was at the stand. She grabbed an open-shelled coconut from him and drank its contents in one gulp.


    ¡°Good seeing you two,¡± Ruben raised a shell to her.


    ¡°I wish the curse just hit us here and now,¡± Sandra sighed tossing the shell behind her.


    ¡°Yeesh¡­ wanna talk about it?¡± he gestured.


    ¡°So you can piece by piece. Meh! I¡¯ll pass,¡± she pushed her palm on the stand and inched back. ¡°Ruben wouldn¡¯t care less of a delta not to mention a pretty, mesmerizing beta like me,¡± she twirled a lock of her hair in her finger.


    ¡°Now from you-that¡¯s just odd,¡± his forehead creased. ¡°See how fast you switched up,¡± he pointed.

 Blackbird

    The coast was clear for their escapade into the new parchednd. Xander had been driving for hours. The sun was setting and he had to make it back to the Alpha pack pretty soon. Catherine was beside him ncing out the car window.


    ¡°I just want to take a walk on a street,¡± she breathed into the ss. ¡°Grab a sandwich and watch the birds on the roof of mour stores.¡±


    ¡°I wish I could tell you this was temporary,¡± Xander held the wheel tightly slowly breathing out. ¡°I just hope as real as it gets to be the rest of your life, it will not be a fatal w.¡±


    ¡°I have been at the front end and you have been at the end¡­ what is more to get real,¡± she squinted. ¡°I tried to fit into your world. And I was at the back end, and still felt like I was at the frontier of all the warfare.¡±


    Catherine looked away from the window and watched the big ball of fire receding as they approached the mountains.


    Xander looked at her for a brief moment. She had been silent all through the drive until now, and not just that, it was really strange since she woke up from her prolonged slumber. Her eyes were dull and green like a werewolf. He took his eyes off her and looked straight ahead on the road.


    The mountains drew nearer. The escape was beautiful. The skyline met the peak of the mountain. He drove into the middle of two hills and made a stop when a man appeared on top of a cliff.


    ¡°Alpha Xander,¡± the man hollered jumping down. It wasn¡¯t that much of a great height but hended firm on his feet.


    Xander rolled down his side window and brought out his hand to toss a locket to the man.


    ¡°Wee back beta,¡± Xander held a fist with a smile of recognition.


    ¡°Jackson. Didn¡¯t he die?¡± Catherine gasped. ¡°Xander tell me how-¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time,¡± Xander held her face in his palms and kissed her forehead. ¡°Keep her in good care,¡± Xander started the engine.


    ¡°With my life Alpha,¡± Jackson made a slight bow.


    ¡°Catherine¡­ this where I leave you,¡± Xander unlocked the doors and held her hand. ¡°I know I must not leave your side but-¡±


    She ced her other hand on his face and pulled away from him.


    ¡°I understand Xander. The Alpha pack and everything thates with it,¡± she opened the door and got out of the car. ¡°When we meet again, don¡¯t let me go.¡± Her eyes glistened in the little light of the even day.


    Jackson came to her side. Together they walked up the hill. Xander reversed out of the spot he parked. He made way for the road again. Catherine looked back a few times hearing faint sounds voicing her name.


    ¡°Are you good?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah I was just-I was just hearing things.¡±


    She turned back to look across the hill. Jackson leaned in close and ced his woven scarf over her shoulder.


    ¡°If it makes you feel any better, I set traps for any supernatural creature in a mile radius,¡±


    ¡°Really, you did that?¡±


    ¡°Uh yeah, if I had all I needed.¡±


    ¡°Now you¡¯re just being sarcastic.¡±


    She pulled the scarf off her shoulders and tied it around her girdle. She tightened it with a smug and walked on. Jackson jogged to catch up.


    ¡°Come on, tell me you didn¡¯t believe it one bit.¡±


    ¡°No, it was so not believable. I mean no way you had vampire-repent or whatever scared away vampires.¡±


    Jacksonughed so loud it echoed and scared away birds on trees.


    ¡°I wish we had those if it existed. Could have Manny¡¯s girl whip up that repent when theye around.¡±


    ¡°Shirley¡¯s dead.¡±


    Jackson¡¯s eyelids drooped. He lowered for a second and palmed his face. He jolted upright and kept walking.


    Catherine tugged at his shirt.


    ¡°Sorry to drop that on you like that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I never really knew her but¡­ he sure was happy being with her.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s he handling it?¡±


    ¡°Xander has him under control¡­ for now. And what do you mean, when theye around?¡±


    ¡°Okay, one minute I was in total darkness when a rogue attacked me.¡±


    Catherine felt the urge to hold his palm. She zoned out into an abrupt vision. She saw the severed head of a bloodied, mortified Jackson ced on a table to his body. He appeared withered. Xander was at the end of the room. A raven was hovering over the ceiling. Catherine made eye contact and it flew at her. Immediately, she pulled out of the morbid vision.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    Jackson held her close from falling on the rocks.


    ¡°I saw-I saw you.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s eyes widened cing her hand on the mark around the beta¡¯s neck. It was the incision made when he died. It left a scar in his revival by whatever the ckbird appeared to be and Xander appearing in her vision. She closed her eyes again and held on to Jackson¡¯s two palms now. She wanted answers.


    ¡°Can you bring him back?¡± Xander said to the dark figure across the room next to Jackson¡¯s corpse.


    ¡°It will be at a cost Marion,¡¯ the hollow voice crescendos.


    An old witch with back eyes came out of the shadows.


    ¡°Tell me what you want witch.¡±


    ¡°A witch¡¯s heart.¡±


    ¡°What? I know of no witch.¡±


    ¡°A werewolf in your pack hase in contact with a rare bloodline of witches.¡±


    ¡°You want me to kill a girl for you?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be you who takes her life. Just bring me her heart.¡±


    ¡°This is beyond me.¡±


    Xander stomped.


    ¡°If you can permit me to invade the mind of one your own, it will be of no cost.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Faye Meade.¡±


    ¡°You would have Faye do it?¡±


    ¡°For someone who has a strong hate for witches. I can amplify her hatred.¡±


    ¡°Do what you have to do.¡±


    ¡°Catherine, what do you reckon?¡±


    The old witch transcended next to Catherine.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Catherine clung to Jackson in fear.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Catherine, we are at the haven. Let¡¯s go in and tell me what you saw.¡±


    He held an arm around her guiding her steps into the brown-roofed little cabin.


    ***


    Xander drove back with the time on the road. It was a straight route back to his destination. He took caution because of Catherine and now he drove like a madman. Chains and locks rattling in the backseat. It was soon to be nigh fall and brooding luminance.


    The moon was out. His arms began to strain on the wheel. He started to get drawn to transform by the curse. He opened the door of the fast-moving car. He jumped out and rolled over on the road. The car drove right into a tree.


    He could hear the wolves howling in the distance in the woods. The Alpha Pack was turning. He twisted on the ground in pain. His clothes ripping apart. His hair was all over his face and limbs. His feet jerked out ws tearing his boots. It was bad to not be restrained at this time. His wolf would roam free and kill anything in its path in a bloodthirsty rampage.


    ***FEW HOURS AGO AT THE LAKE***


    ¡°Alright, Sandra. I wouldn¡¯t ask any girl this,¡± Ruben Smirked trailing behind her. ¡°It¡¯s gonna sound weird¡­ but would you wanna turn with me-like right next to me.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she burst intoughter. ¡°Where did this sentimental Deltae from,¡¯ she sped her palm over her mouth.


    ¡°Sessfully freaked you out right?¡± he palmed his neck.


    ¡°Yeah no shit,¡± she tittered.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ruben pointed at theke.


    Sandra looked behind her.


    Eric dragged a chest filled with locks and chains to the shore.


    ¡°We still have a couple of hours before we turn,¡± she sneered.


    ¡°You betas sure like getting ahead of yourselves,¡± Ruben snickered.


    They left the stand and joined the others gathering at the center of thekeshore.


    ***MOMENTS BEFORE ON THE HIGHER BANKS***


    ¡°So Eve¡­ is it,¡± Faye gave Jamal a dismissal wave.


    The beta stepped back a few feet. He turned to theke, watching scornfully at the group of betas in the dark waters. Most especially, Sandra.


    ¡°What¡¯s got her smiling?¡± he muttered to himself.


    Eve opened up her folded sleeves.


    ¡°Luna¡­ can I call you Luna?¡±


    ¡°Shoot.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be Delta anymore,¡± Eve sighed.


    ¡°Choices like this can¡¯t just be made,¡± Faye pouted. ¡°And why are you telling me?¡±


    ¡°You turned me-or you made me a werewolf in that sense,¡± Eve folded her arms slouching her shoulders.


    ¡°Don¡¯t up to me at ease,¡± Faye flicked Eve on the forehead. ¡°And so what if I turned you? I don¡¯t care.¡±


    Eve squinted rubbing her forehead.


    ¡°Please, I-¡®


    Eve nced to her side noticing Jamal¡¯s eye on her.


    ¡°-I will do anything.¡±


    Faye gave him a side-eye. Jamal cleared his throat and turned away.


    ¡°So you want to be a beta under mymand?¡± Okay you start now,¡± Faye raised her chin. ¡°Tell Shawn you want out,¡± Faye nudged.


    ¡°Shawn?¡± Eve furrowed.


    ¡°Eve, what do you get going on here?¡± Shawn ced an arm on her shoulder.


    ¡°We need to talk,¡± Eve gently pulled his arm away.


    ¡°Sure, anything.¡±


    Shawn gestured an honorable farewell to Faye. Eve stepped away and they both walked down the higher bank, leaving Jamal to approach his sire.


    ¡°Do you want him to start now?¡± Jamal sped his arms behind him.


    ¡°Yes, in fact,¡± she nodded.


    Faye inched forward and gazed at the shore. She fixed her fingers to her mouth and blew a whistle to Eric. The Beta hailed her calling and dragged the load next to him. There were betas around to do his bidding by lifting the chest but he attempted it alone.

 Let him go

    ¡°We are going into the woods. Not just to parry and water down our emotions,¡± Eric stomped a foot on the chest. ¡°The full moon will be out soon. And we are not going to make the same mistake asst time.


    The Alpha pack was lined out to be given their chains and locks. They dragged their feet on the wet sand. The fun at theke was ceased and that dampened their mood.


    ¡°What happenedst time?¡± Ruben crept behind Sandra.


    She looked over her shoulders, ¡°Weren¡¯t you here in spring?¡±


    He let out a sharp breath, ¡°Well if I was, I wouldn¡¯t be asking you would I?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She pulled away from him and gleaned his statement.


    ¡°Well it was a shit show,¡± she bit her cuticle. ¡°The pack didn¡¯t make use of their locks. At the time we were in the basement. The chains were not strong on the reins without locks, and some wolves got loose.¡±


    Polo and the Deltas were dangling their locks over their head.


    ¡°These guys-your guys to be specific,¡± Sandra pointed.


    ¡°Now that we are outside in the freaking wild,¡± Ruben itched a brow. ¡°Won¡¯t that be more convenient to get loose again? These guys will be wilding wherever and whenever. There is no hold on the Deltas.¡±


    ¡°Maybe Shawn can call you guys to order,¡± Sandra¡¯s eyes darted to the higher banks. ¡°And what¡¯s the deal with that girl anyway?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°The brte with the bandana.¡±


    ¡°Oh Eve,¡± he sighed. ¡°That¡¯s a scarf by the way.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­ what¡¯s her deal? She got a hard face next to Shawn.¡±


    Eric marched around with two betas by his side. They carriedrge nail pins in their hands. Eric held on to the hammer. With the way this was going, the Alpha pack would be restrained for a while before the moon set in.


    ¡°Beta Pack will move eastwards with me,¡± Eric let out a harsh breath.


    ¡°What about the basement?¡± Joni asked eagerly. ¡°The Alpha made mention of-


    ¡°Well the Alpha isn¡¯t here is he?¡± Eric snapped. ¡°And what does a Delta need these questions for? Shawn¡¯s right over there.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that one question,¡± Joni maundered.


    ¡°You have got something on your mind Delta?¡± Eric furrowed.


    He walked up to Joni with scorn. The betas by his side mmed a bag of nail pins into Joni¡¯s torso. The Delta fell, weak to the ground. Manny rushed to his defense.


    ¡°What are you doing beta?¡± Eric stiffened.


    ¡°I saw no reason to do that to him,¡± Manny confronted.


    ¡°Who do you think you are talking to?¡± Eric gripped Manny by the neck.


    ¡°Let him go,¡± Faye voiced from behind him.


    Eric dropped down his arm and shrugged Manny by the shoulders.


    ¡°This is not over,¡± he threatened in the young beta¡¯s ear and walked away with the others.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret. He makes threats like that all the time,¡± Faye scoffed. ¡°And they¡¯d still fear me-their Luna over him any day.¡±


    Jamal handed Faye the hammer. He grabbed the sack of pins from the chest and squared his shoulders. Manny was surprised to see Fayee to his aid.


    Joni rose to his feet and patted Manny on the shoulders.


    ¡°Thanks, man.¡±


    The Delta poured the sand out of his beanie and went on with the Deltas.


    Faye scoffed.


    ¡°You move around with the likes of Joni and they see you as weak.¡±


    Manny¡¯s eyes burned with anger.


    ¡°I am not weak.¡±


    ¡°You have a fighting spirit. Don¡¯t waste it at the expense of helping others.¡±


    Manny grinned his teeth and clenched his fists. Jamal watched him express his inert rage.


    ¡°So, with that said, join the others up front,¡± She patted Manny on the shoulders.


    Manny turned around till he caught sight of Sandra.


    The Deltas gathered together awaiting orders from Shawn.


    ¡°We set for the western oak trees,¡± Shawn jaunted.


    Eve left his side and joined ranks with Betas.


    ¡°Surprise to see you here,¡± Sandra gleamed.


    Eve shook her head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even wanna know.¡± Sandra red at the reformed Delta.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t ck off and make us look bad,¡± Eve smirked.


    ¡°Like you all haven¡¯t been doing that before.¡± Sandra scoffed


    ¡°I see¡­ you are just like him.¡± Eve¡¯s eyes narrowed at the mnin young man with a goatee.


    ¡°I am nothing like Ruben.¡± Sandra thumbed her temple.


    ¡°You Deltas have an acute sense of humor.¡± Eve grabbed a lock from a beta.


    ¡°Get used to it goldy locks. I am going to be around much longer than you think.¡± Eve dashed in front of her and scurried behind Faye.


    Ruben tries to make a wave at her. She turns away. Shawnes to the center of the Deltas


    Ruben steadily approached him.


    ¡°Why is she moving to their side, Shawn?¡± Ruben muttered.


    ¡°The beanie boy came back around,¡± Shawn nced at Joni. ¡°Give her time¡­ she will return too.¡±


    Polo and the others hoisted bundles of chains on their shoulders. They all marched westwards. The Betas headed to the pine trees. The Deltas were soon to reach their oak trees.


    ***EASTWARDS THE LAKE***


    Faye handed the hammer over to another beta. Jamal had two bags of nail pins to carry. Weightless as it felt, the load kept hitting his knees. The path was narrow and it was hard to spread his arms wide open. He nudged at Eve to help out but she gave a neglecting prod.


    ¡°The pine trees are strong enough to hold our chains,¡± Faye led the way. ¡°Right, Eric?¡±


    ¡°Two wolves will be locked on the sides of a tree,¡± Eric swatted a branch from his face. ¡°The pinewoods are rigid and the barks can¡¯t break if one tries to get loose.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t kill to have shed light on how rough this path was,¡± She cut through vines with her ws.


    ¡°These thorns are pointy as hell,¡± Jamal groaned. ¡°If I wasn¡¯t supernatural, I¡¯d be spazzed out.¡±


    ¡°The Deltas must be lucky walking through smooth terrain,¡± Eve interjected.


    ¡°They have mudslides and quicksand to deal with brownie,¡± Faye sneered. ¡°You made your choice so don¡¯t imagine things.¡±


    ¡°We walked through woods thicker than this when we fended off the rogues,¡± Eric boasted. ¡°Sandra you¡¯d like to tell them?¡±


    ¡°I really can¡¯t remember Jack after that,¡± Sandra leaped over a log. ¡°Is it me or it¡¯s felling season?¡± The trees here are headless.,¡± She looks up.


    ¡°Someone made a wrong choice picking these parts for us,¡± Manny said. ¡°So much for rigid pinewoods and unbreakable barks,¡± he snickered plucking leaves in his stride.


    Eric halted till Manny walked past him.


    ¡°You have got some nerve Manny Wells,¡± he pushed the young beta to the ground.


    Sandra circled back.


    ¡°Eric let him go.¡±


    Eric growled at her. He pulled Manny by the neck of his shirt.


    ¡°Ever since we got back from the mission up north, you sure have grown big wings haven¡¯t ya boy?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about wings man. I just think you are jealous I am closer to Xander than you¡¯ll ever be,¡± Manny grimaced.


    Eric released his grip and Manny fell into a heap of leaves.


    ¡°The Alpha only trains you¡­ if you think it¡¯s mere favoritism, you are just as na?ve as I thought you were.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s over let¡¯s just move on with the others,¡± Sandra beckoned.


    ¡°Holy shit I see the pine trees!¡± A beta hollered.


    ¡°They are tall as hell,¡± Jamal gasped in amusement.


    ¡°Goldy Locks was wrong about felling season,¡± Eve exhaled.


    Faye climbed fast onto a branch. She observed the escape and red down at the others.


    ¡°Pick a tree and pair up. It¡¯s getting dark, I don¡¯t want anyone bumping heads and making a fuss of it.¡±


    The other betas were already walking in twos. They stuck with each other. Sandra was with Manny. Eric had the blonde fe, Lird, holding the pins.


    ¡°No Eric,¡± Faye shook her head. ¡°You are pairing with Manny.¡±


    Sandra went over to Lird. Manny begrudgingly strolled over to meet Eric. Faye got down from the tree. Eve and Jamal trailed behind her as well as the other beta holding the hammer.


    Everyone was locked in with their partners to the tree. Faye mmed thest nailpin on Eve and Jamal¡¯s lock.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Jamal asked curiously.


    ¡°Just focus on having a good chat with Brownie over here,¡± she pulled his cheek softly.


    ¡°I guess I go by Brownie now,¡± Eve said sarcastically.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ and there¡¯s absolutely nothing you can do about it,¡± Faye tossed her hair.


    Sandra and Lird barely spoke a word to each other. Manny and Eric couldn¡¯t see eye to eye but the two betas had a smug on their faces.


    ¡°You are loyal,¡± Eric broke the silence. ¡°I don¡¯t want to know what brought the attitude¡­ but give respect to whom respect is due.¡±


    ¡°Respect is reciprocal isn¡¯t it,¡± Manny sniffles with a frown. ¡°I don¡¯t hold any grudge against you but I defend unfairness when I see it.¡±


    ¡°The Deltas will always be inferior,¡± Eric snorted. ¡°No matter how you see them as equal.¡±


    ¡°How does that have to do with treating them unfairly,¡± Manny said sternly. ¡°You don¡¯t see Xander¡­ The Alpha doesn¡¯t have double standards over us.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the way you want to see it, fine,¡± Eric breathed. ¡°I was once a Delta. I never hold anything against them. Joni himself¡­ he reminds me of who I once was.¡±


    Manny was stunned. He maintained his silence as soon as Faye lit a torch and started the howl.

 Silver casket

    ***IN THE MOUNTAINS***


    ¡°I know I am telling you, Jackson,¡± Catherine wiped the tear from the side of her eye. ¡°I saw a witch with ck eyes, and-and Xander was there when your body was¡­ not alive and you were rotten,¡± she ced her palms over her reddened face and subdued to the thick brown furry rug by the firece.


    ¡°I am trying to understand,¡± he consoled. ¡°The burnt scars on my face are still there¡­ I don¡¯t know if the magic or witchcraft brought me back but Xander can¡¯t-he can¡¯t sacrifice an innocent life.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Catherine pulled the nket off the couch and sheathed herself.


    ¡°This is all new to me¡­ the visions¡­ it¡¯s all overwhelming,¡± she steepled her fingers underneath the nket. ¡°Xander cared to exin but he didn¡¯t sound right. I am just as confused as you are. Believe this, Xander made that decision. I saw the look in his eyes as clear as day.¡±


    ¡°Even if you are right, I am not the one who needs the enlightenment,¡± Jackson thumbed his brow and his face mellowed. ¡°It¡¯s Manny-


    A loud thud was heard outside the cabin. The wind hit hard against the door.


    Catherine gasped in shock, ¡°Does this happen often?¡± She pulled down the nket from her body. This was unfamiliar to Jackson with the look on his face.


    Jackson got up to his feet and looked out the curtains. The coast was breezy and clear. The tumbleweed rolled on the rocky grounds. The parch was starting to get foggy.


    ¡°Just stay where you are Catherine,¡± Jackson hushed walking to the door. ¡°Don¡¯te outside.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s left hand trembled. She gripped her hand with the other and inhaled sharply. The curtains were flowing, the window was unlocked and the air rushed in. Her long ck her was ravening over her shoulders.


    She crawled up to her feet from the couch. She stealthily walked to the window. Wham!


    The window glued shut and sent her hair dropping down to her shoulders. Jackson¡¯s gruesome face appeared at the window giving her fright.


    ¡°Oh God you scared me,¡± She sighed in relief.


    The Beta came back into the cabin with a straight face.


    ¡°Catherine¡­ I¡¯ve got news you¡¯re not gonna like,¡± his face darkened.


    ***FEW MOMENTS LATER***


    ¡°What do you mean I am not safe here?¡± Catherine raised her voice. ¡°I just got here.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know,¡± Jackson cautioned. ¡°The winds around here are not that strong unless there are people around.¡± He looked outside the curtains again.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll stay hidden,¡± Catherine folded her arms. ¡°I don¡¯t how but that¡¯s your duty. The one thing-the one thing Xander left you with!¡± She raised a finger at his face, ¡°-was to keep me safe. Guard me with your life. And now you want me to run the first minute you sniff danger.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am not disputing that order,¡± Jackson locked in his fingers. ¡°But right outside¡­ I saw a freaking mountain goat-dried of its blood,¡± he whispered raising his brows.


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn what¡¯s outside Beta,¡± She said sternly pointing at the door. ¡°You will handle it.¡±


    The hollering of the wind stopped.


    ¡°We will have to make a detour round back,¡± Jackson peeped through the door-hole clenching his fist. He turned back to face Catherine, ¡°Are you to go under?¡± he thumped lightly on the wooden floorboards.


    ¡°You mean like a bunker is down there,¡± her face failed to be brightened.


    ¡°No, more like an underground-no underlying shed,¡± he smacked his lips. ¡°We need to move. Now,¡± he pointed to the ground at his feet.


    They opened the door and went outside. The atmosphere appeared to be foggy and the mist was slowly descending upon them. He held her by the hand. They both scurried to the back of the cabin.


    They were at the back full of rusticpartments. Jackson let go of her hand to pull away nks covering a square metal te. It had a lock on its top left end.


    ¡°Stand back Catherine,¡± he spread out his arm to release his ws.


    ¡°Just because you want to bust open a lock?¡± She rubbed her palms to feel warmth.


    ¡°In case of any shards popping out,¡± Jackson chuckled.


    He made a step back, crouched his pose, and struck his ws at the lock. It would have been a clean break if he hadn¡¯t cracked a nail and bled out.


    ¡°Oh my God Jackson, your hand,¡± she sped her palms over her cheeks. ¡°Oh, now you¡¯re healing. I am so quick to forget the rapid healing,¡± she rubbed her eyes.


    ¡°Not everyone though¡­ Sandra doesn¡¯t heal as quickly as the others do,¡± he opened the metal crater. ¡°It¡¯s kind of a rare condition among wolves. We¡¯d get into thatter, right now you need to get in.¡±


    Catherine stood over the hollow opening. It was dark and reeked of metal rust. Her feet trembled standing at the top of thedder.


    ¡°Just breathe in¡­ and breathe out,¡± He held down her hand slowly helping her down the Ladder steps.


    ¡°How do I breathe in and breathe out, the air is toxic,¡± she nagged. ¡°Unlike you, I can actually get sick.¡±


    Jackson dug his left arm into his back pocket and handed her the brown scarf from earlier.


    ¡°You dropped this in the cabin,¡± he locked the crater from inside with his right arm. ¡°I remembered you tied it around your waist.¡±


    ¡°It probably came off my girdle when I sat on the carpet,¡± she winced at the creaking sound of the metal crater closing.


    Her foot reached the ground atst. It was about twenty steps down thedder to reach the surprisingly smooth floors of the undergroundyer. The space in between the steps was a headspace wide.


    ¡°Stay still let me get the lights on,¡± Jackson jumped down a few steps to the ground.


    Catherine huddled behind him. He walked to the darker end of theyer. Flick!


    The lights came on. Yellow and dim. It makes the eye squint upon every gaze or blink looking at the upper structure of the underlying shed.


    ¡°You sure know your way around this shady spot,¡± Catherine rested her arm on a wooden stock.


    ¡°Be careful¡­ there¡¯s dust on there,¡± he tapped the edge of the wooden stock. ¡°If you pull the sheets over that corner,¡± he pointed to the other end from where they stood, ¡°You¡¯ll see clean furniture and¡­ I don¡¯t know-something that¡¯s less dusty or not dusty at all.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say,¡± she cocked her head wiping the dust off her elbow. ¡°You still haven¡¯t given me an answer,¡± she walked to the other end of the spot.


    The light didn¡¯t glimmer at this end. The shadows were darker and thicker. She could barely hear the sound of her steps. She halted and looked back at Jackson opening up a wooden crate with a crowbar.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, these are just supplies.¡± She turned back to the sheets.


    ¡°What is under these dusty old white covers?¡± Jackson rests the crowbar to the side.


    ¡°You can pull them over to find out.¡± She balled her fists and looked around.


    ¡°Enough of this, it¡¯s creeping me out.¡± He opened up his palms.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She rocked back and forth.


    ¡°First you¡¯re not answering the obvious-¡± He folded his arms around his chest and leaned on a sealed wooden crate.


    ¡°I came down here a while back. To set up this whole storage.¡± She snapped.


    ¡°So you can do what? Trap someone? Trap me? Because this is scary, okay!¡± He inched forward smoothing the back of his pants.


    ¡°I am so sorry I this is scaring you.¡± Her voice began to shudder.


    ¡°What is this really?¡± He stopped and sniffled.


    ¡°This was supposed to be a safe haven¡­ for you and the Alpha.¡± She sat on a stool to rest her wary legs.


    ¡°You could have just said that.¡± He palmed his neck.


    ¡°It was the emergency of emergencies, Catherine. We are not even meant to be down here.¡± She pushed her hair over her face.


    ¡°To hold out if when it all blew over.¡± He bobbed his head.


    ¡°Yes, exactly that.¡± She ran her fingers through her hair and stood up on her feet.


    ¡°Who would hold the fourth if he was down here with me?¡± He pped his palms in agreement.


    ¡°A n is in the works. To gather his closest allies.¡± She wiped a line of sweat from her forehead.


    ¡°You werewolves are so quick to act without nning.¡± He cracked his knuckles one after the other.


    ¡°Xander may not look it¡­ but he has a n. Long before you came along, no offense.¡± She pressed a finger to her bottom lip.


    ¡°Thest n I witnessed of Xander, he sacrificed an innocent girl.¡± Jackson¡¯s breaths quickened. He stepped back and held out a hand to caution her usation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you saw but he did what he had to do.¡± Catherine tensed.


    ¡°That was cruel and heartless.¡± Jackson stiffened.


    ¡°He saved a life. My life! Shirley¡¯s death is a debt for me to pay, not Xander not even the witch or Faye who was bewitched. It¡¯s mine, Catherine. Mine.¡±


    ¡°I will find answers my own way.¡±She turned to the white covers and pulled them over.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand this.¡± Jackson was just as appalled.


    Her eyes gleaned to the silver caskets.

 The lake

    Shawn bashed the sled into the thick bushed. He led the way as the others marched behind. Joni cked off at the end of the line with the lot carrying the chest of locks and chains. Ruben, right next to Shawn cautioned with a halt. He heard a critter squealing.


    ¡°Why the wait?¡± Polo grunted behind him. ¡°You want to take a piss already?¡± he teased.


    Shawn turns around to face Ruben. He was clearly disturbed by the abrupt fall short in their march. Ruben had the keenest sense of hearing in the Deltas. He heard a metal snap.


    ¡°There are booby traps¡± Ruben raised a brow at Shawn.


    ¡°What?¡± Shawn gripped the sled of his hammer with tenacity.


    ¡°I know what I heard,¡± Ruben said convincingly. ¡°This whole area had been marked as a hunting ground.¡±


    ¡°You think the betas set us up for this?¡± Polo grimaced.


    ¡°Aw shit,¡± a delta next to Polo smacked a palm to his face. ¡°The mudslides and now this all of a sudden.¡±


    The rest of the Deltas began to sound wary. The murmur started to tick off Shawn. A vein popped at his neck.


    ¡°Shut up Deltas!¡± Shawn struck the hammer at a tree. ¡°In just a little time we will strap ourselves to the trees with these,¡± he picked up chains from Polo and tossed them back to him. ¡°And get this over with. I don¡¯t see what this yapping is all about.¡±


    The leaves of the northern red oak tree fell slowly to their faces. Their eyes gleamed up at the extended shaky branches of the trees. Shawn¡¯s voice called them back to order.


    ¡°Whether the betas had to do with it or not, it doesn¡¯t stop us from marching forward,¡± Shawn lowered his hand. ¡°A little booby trap doesn¡¯t scare us. We are bloody Deltas goddammit.¡±


    ¡°We do have to get going Shawn,¡± Ruben looked up at the dark sky where the moon was bright and secluded away from the stars.


    The Deltas continued walking. Joni picked up the pace from behind. He struggled to get past the Deltas next to Polo. They all wore tank tops and were eager to let anyone move ahead of them. He got shouldered into the shrubs.


    In the splinter of the moment. Joni yelled in agony. His right arm got caught in a trap. Ruben rushed to his aid. The others didn¡¯t dare reach out to help him. Polo scared them away with grim stares.


    ¡°Keep moving Deltas,¡± Polo ordered. ¡°As for you¡­ don¡¯t hold anyone back. The moon curse ain¡¯t waiting on you,¡± Polo huffed.     ¡°Shit, that¡¯s bad. You know what¡­ just bite on this,¡± Ruben raised a piece of wood to Joni. ¡°I know you are gonna heal soon-that¡¯s a lie,¡± he shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s gonna take a long time if I don¡¯t set that arm straight,¡± his face crinkled looking at the torn ragged wound.


    Joni¡¯s breaths quickened. He took the piece of wood in his teeth and bit hard on it. Ruben carefully took out the sharp metal mped on Joni¡¯s arm.


    ¡°It hurts like hell man,¡± Joni raised his head slowly from the grass.


    They were the only two deltas left at the spot.


    ¡°Your blood is shiny in the dark,¡± Ruben held a palm under Joni¡¯s arm and the other above his wrist.


    ¡°Come on man, just put it back,¡± Joni grinned his teeth.


    ¡°Here goes nothing.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Ruben gripped under Joni¡¯s arm tight and tweaked the wrist upright.


    Crack.


    The piece of wood fell out of Joni¡¯s mouth alongside a drool of saliva. The young delta was exempted from the pain. His mouth was wide open for a brief moment.


    ¡°Well look at that.¡±


    Ruben smirked.


    The tissues were forming and the torn skin was closing in.


    ¡°Yeah-yeah, thanks, man.¡±


    Joni thumbed the edge of his lips.


    ¡°You healed quite alright.¡±


    Ruben patted his back and raised him to his feet.


    ¡°Thanks. Really. You are not like the others.¡±


    Joni¡¯s eyes gleamed emerald eyes gleamed. He extended an arm to Ruben.


    ¡°Who says I am any better.¡±


    Ruben chuckled pulling Joni from the grass with a shake of hands.


    They picked up the trail and walked onto the path Shawn paved.


    ¡°Other than you¡­¡± Joni tilted his beanie to the side. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have really talked to anyone among the Deltas. Talk less of helping me.¡±


    ¡°Count yourself, man,¡± Ruben brushed a leaf off Joni¡¯s shirt. ¡°I am one of the very few.¡±


    ¡°So who else is there?¡± Joni nced with curiosity in his eyes. ¡°I need to be sure of every good-hearted delta in the Alpha pack,¡± he fisted palm.


    ¡°Slow down there buddy,¡± Ruben pocketed his shorts and slouched in his stride. ¡°What do you want to do? n a coup or something?¡± he teased.


    ¡°No-no I uh¡­ I was just asking,¡± Joni palmed his neck.


    ¡°Eve.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°One of the deltas with a good heart.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡­ wait, wait, the girl with the-


    Ruben nodded. ¡°Red scarf, yeah.¡±


    Joni plucked at the strands of hair under his chin. ¡°I don¡¯t really see her around much.¡±


    Ruben sighed. ¡°She¡¯s not here right now. Apparently, she enjoys thepany of the betas.¡±


    ¡°We can do that?¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°Join the Betas if we want?¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t know what Faye¡­ Luna sure has a n for her.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot going on in the pack we don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Right back at you,¡± Ruben agreed.


    ¡°There are some who are hard on the outside. They are not the same on the inside.¡±


    ¡°Who do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°Shawn. He is not a bad dude he just-


    Ruben¡¯s face was stern. He inched forward to Joni.


    ¡°Yeah, you see him riling up the others. They are happy and all that, but you all don¡¯t know Shawn. Trust me. Polo, on the other hand, is an easy nut to crack but there¡¯s more to those two that no one is aware of.¡±


    Joni was the dear optimist when it came down to opposing the true identity of his higher-ups. He wondered if truly there was a darker side to Shawn.


    He is a brute but no way in hell does he have an ulterior motive, Joni pondered.


    A delta swung down from a branch in front of them, ¡°About time you guys showed up.¡±


    They ignored him and walked along to join the others. Polo was distributing the locks. Joni left Ruben¡¯s side to approach the tall-headed Delta.


    ¡°For your hands and feet beanie,¡± Polo pushed the locks against his chest.


    ¡°Telling me that was enough,¡± Joni wheezed. ¡°Which tree do I get?¡± Joni red at the tree with fewer red leaves, where some deltas casually sat on the grass having a chat.


    ¡°Wherever the heck you please,¡± Polo snorted.


    ¡°Good to know man,¡± Joni nodded with a smile.


    Joni¡¯s locks dangled in his palms. He felt hesitant and dropped the locks to his feet when Polo randomly pulled him close by the arm.


    ¡°Make sure your locks are tight beanie,¡¯ he warned narrowing his eyes into Joni¡¯s. ¡°If you don¡¯t¡­ it will set you loose and you will-you will be a lost wolf when you break free.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ bet,¡± Joni chuckled nervously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say I never told ya,¡± Polo gleaned.


    ¡°I totally understand,¡± Joni walked away slowly, giving Polo a thumbs up.


    He sat with the other deltas. And suddenly, an awkward silence fell before them.


    ¡°So what¡¯s up?¡± Joni


    Ruben branched out to meet Shawn, nailing the chains on the tree bark with his sled.     They were now close to the other Deltas. Shawn, Polo, and the others were dispersed by the trees. Where the northern red was en masse. They had begun strapping the restraints to their hands and feet. Unlike the Betas they didn¡¯t pair up. They didn¡¯t tie themselves around the sides of the tree.


    The locks were all connected to a chain around a tree.


    ***


    It had begun. They were covered by the shadow of the full moon. Shawn clipped on locks and sat next to Ruben.


    ¡°You look calm for your first turning,¡± Shawn squinted.


    ¡°It¡¯s actually not my first,¡± Ruben rolled his sleeves.


    ¡°Word in the pack¡­ you haven¡¯t fully turned,¡± Shawn strained his neck. ¡°What are you doing? I can¡¯t see anything, it¡¯s dark as shit.¡±


    Pointing at his forearm, ¡°If you will lean closer and feel it-there are scars like stars on here.¡±


    Shawn scooted over to Ruben and ran his fingers across his forearm. The hardened portion of his skin was dark and clotted with a ck tattoo of a feather, ¡°I can see it now¡­ and feel it too.¡±


    ¡°You have good sight,¡± Ruben covered his forearm.


    ¡°The ck feathers of a raven are only dignified in the ratchet w,¡± tendrils of dark veins snaked around his neck. ¡°Where did you get these Ruben?¡± Shawn stiffened.


    This was a matter to be addressed upon first light.


    Ruben fell against the ground and contorted.


    Shawn felt the aching from his jaws. His teeth protruded as well as the hairs from his cheeks buffed.


    The rest of the delta werewolves have started to break out of their human form. Their locks rattled. Their chain was still strong and firm on the tree barks. They groaned painfully as their limbs tended to reshape into their inner animosity. Their eyes glistened in different shades of green.


    Their howling was in unison as the wolves eastwards of theke at the pine trees.

 White haired vampire

    She wondered what mysteriesy in the house of Marion-or worse, Xander withholding so much from her. She had just discovered his role in Shirley¡¯s death.


    He is not a vicious killer. He had sacrifices to make.


    The undergroundyer was humid. She turned over to the other side of the mattress when the next drop of water hit her face. She scratched her fingers on the pillow. She stared at the silver caskets desperate for answers.


    Jackson was just clueless when they both uncovered what was beneath the covers. A while ago he had just gone through the fact that he and Xander set this whole ce up as a safe haven.


    Safe haven. Not like she hasn¡¯t heard those words before. A safe house, a condo. Then another safe house, a bigger condo. The irony was implying she was never safe in any of these ces. What would make thisyer any different?


    It has supplied lighting that got dimmer by the second. Was it going to go off or blow out? Her mind was derailed. The caskets were one thing she couldn¡¯t get her mind off. Enemies lost. Friend lost. Who or what was kept in those silver concatenations?


    Jackson was lidless on a sealed crater. His legs folded and his palm on the prosthetic on the side of his face. A little darker than the color of his natural white skin. The days he had his hair over his face. The days he longed for. Now that the front hairline has been scorched and bettered by the fire. The crackling and hissing noise of fire still haunts him.


    He wishes he could make things clearer for Catherine but his hands were tied by shackles of what his Alpha held secret. Secret he knew not of. His loyalty lies in the ambiguous nature of Xander. The obscurity and perplexing nature.


    Catherine closed her eyes. She wanted to tap into her subconscious or wherever her mind wandered. The ce, the realm, the life, and the eyes she saw through when she Xander vulnerable and making reckless decisions out of fear.


    ***IN THE MORNING AT THE LAKE***


    He woke up on the shore. Crabs rolling sea shells by his feet. He could taste the sand on his lips. The dark waters of theke were now bright and blue after the full moon. He rose up to meet the waves at his knees. He walked away from the shore in his ragged clothes.


    His hair was moist and scattered across his face. His palms were dirtied, rough, and dry. He felt an ache in the sides of his jaws. He bit into his cheek lightly. That alone couldn¡¯t numb pain. He rubbed a fist against his jaw and opened his mouth wide.


    He widened his jaw. He felt a slight stretch of muscle. He was relieved and folded his lips into his mouth. He swiveled his arms and legs to get loose.


    He pulled off what was once a fine-sleeved shirt. The Alpha could notprehend how he got here. Last night he was consumed by his uncontroble intent to hurt and kill on sight. He nces at the top of the palm trees.


    He tilted his head and observed a red scarf brought down by the wind. He ran to catch it. He perceived the scent of blood. It was one of his own. A werewolf of the Alpha pack. What happenedst night?


    His eyes were shaky. His blood was hot. He straightened and by the sound of the voice of a female, he dashed into the woods.


    ***LAST NIGHT IN THE WOODS***


    The wolves were growling at each other. Ruben was unchanged. He watched the white husky drooling at him. The brown and ck wolves scattered around the trees. Their legs were chained to the barks. The wolves lowered to bite through the locks.


    Shawn was the white hound. Ruben toy a hand on his grey head. He snapped at him. Ruben fell on his back. Nowtle but the absurdity of events. He hadn¡¯t turned like the others.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this just perfect,¡± he grunted.


    ¡°That freaking witch screwed us over I guess,¡± Eve appeared standing in front of him with her broken locks dangling on her wrists.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Polo stealthily walked on over.


    ¡°Way to go for the dramatic effect,¡± Eve nced at Polo and grabbed a hammer next to the husky. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to rip off your shirt though,¡± she palmed the sled.


    ¡°No one told me he was one of us,¡± Polo groaned raising a brow at Ruben.


    Ruben carefully set his foot for Eve.


    ¡°Be ready to lose a toe or two,¡± She raised the hammer over her head.


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Ruben fidgeted.


    She smashed the lock. The metal sprung open. Ruben unshielded his face with his arms.


    ¡°Not so bad now is it?¡± Eve hung the hammer over her shoulders.


    ¡°Please tell me why the hell we are freeing him?¡± Polo hovered Ruben. ¡°It was just you and me,¡± he turned to Eve.


    ¡°I guess ratchet w is not so secretive after all,¡± Ruben stretched his cuffed wrists in the air.


    ¡°Start talking,¡± Polo pulled him up by the arm.


    ¡°Give it a rest slugger,¡± Eve sighed walking down to the middle of the oak tree garden. ¡°He is the one Mayfair was talking about,¡± se yawned and dumped the sledgehammer to the side.


    ¡°Mayfair is dead,¡± Ruben dragged his arm away from Polo¡¯s grip. ¡°Didn¡¯t you guys hear?¡±


    ¡°I knew this guy wasn¡¯t one of us,¡± Polo scoffed.


    ¡°What?¡± Ruben pocketed.


    ¡°She reincarnated,¡± Eve said a few feet away. She bent over to stretch down her back and jolted upright.


    ¡°As a big scary raven,¡± Polo shoved Ruben and walked along to meet Eve.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s news to me,¡± Ruben followed them from behind. ¡°So where are we going?¡±


    ¡°We?¡± Polo furrowed and turned back with a scornful face. ¡°There is no we boy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s getting annoying slugger,¡± Eve sighed. ¡°We are heading to the pine trees.¡±


    ¡°Towards the Betas,¡± Ruben jaunted to her side.


    ¡°Yes, we have guys in the betas too,¡± Eve side-eyed. ¡°Do well not to make a fuss about it when you see them.¡±


    ***FEW MOMENTS LATER***


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Eve jumped over a log. ¡°The betas are gone.¡±


    ¡°Their scent is not anywhere near,¡± Ruben crouched to the ground.


    ¡°Look out,¡± Polo hollered from behind them.


    A human figure charged at Eve, so quickly the footsteps were barely heard. Just a light Whoosh. She tried to block the attack to her face but the creature wed at her forehead. Her scarf was loose and was taken by the wind of the night. Stained with blood and destitute from the creature¡¯s fingers.


    Ruben held the ck cloak of the invader. The scent was not of any werewolf or living creature. The invader kicked Ruben¡¯s hand off the end of its cloak.


    ¡°They are vampires,¡± Eve fell to the ground.


    ¡°Bloodsucking vermins,¡± Polo opened out his ws and jumped in.


    Another ck coat appeared behind him. Polo turned around with an elbow strike. He missed. The vampire caught his arm and bit into him. Polo wailed.


    Ruben punched the vampire in the head. Polo was released from the bite. The veil over its face fell. It revealed a female with long white hair. Ruben by the neck and snapped it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret,¡± Ruben grunted. ¡°It¡¯s our bite that is lethal to them.¡±


    Polo nodded and spared at the lonely vampire into a tree. They were two and now the other is out of bounds.


    ¡°This is an ambush,¡± Ruben looked at other ck cloaks emerging from the woods.


    ¡°They came out of nowhere,¡± Eve got to her feet.


    She wiped the blood off her forehead with her wrist.


    ¡°I have got this one in a lock,¡± Polo held the vampire tightly on the tree bark. ¡°Somebody grab me a spike.¡±


    ¡°Snap a freaking branch,¡± Ruben observed the vampiresing closer.


    Polo was toote to react. The vampire he held against the tree dug its fangs deep into his shoulder. Polo endured the pain. He inched back and bashed the head of the vampire on the tree bark till its skull cracked open.


    Polo turned around to meet the head of the ck cloak. His cloak was hooded, unlike the others. His hand was buried into Polo¡¯s chest. Polo¡¯s heart pounded in the vampire¡¯s fist.


    ¡°Beg for your life,¡± the vampire tilted his head.


    ¡°Rot in hell you blood-suck-¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The vampire pulled out his heart. Polo dropped to his knees with a hole in his chest. He took onest nce at Eve struggling on the ground before he died.


    He rushed to Eve¡¯s side to form a defensive duo.


    ¡°What do you think happened to the betas,¡± Eve muttered to Ruben¡¯s side.


    The ck cloaks were ten in number. They surrounded the deltas.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna guess,¡± Ruben snapped a branch. ¡°You werest seen with them,¡± he groaned.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± she panted.


    The ck cloaks leaped onto them. Their veils opened up in the air revealing their pale, dry faces. Their fangs were long and pointy.


    Ruben shoved a vampire in the chest with the sharp end of the branch. He brought out the bloodied wood from the now-dead vampire and struck it at the face of another. Eve was overpowered and put down. It appears she was a target. The multitude was on her.


    Ruben turned to help her. He had stepped to ws into the backs of two bloodsuckers with a sledge rammed into the back of his head. It was the white-haired vampire. Her neck was just broken at the time, she recovered and was hell-bent on sucking Ruben dry of his blood.


    She lowered to the ground and screeched opening her mouth wide.


    ¡°Let him be Ophelia,¡± the head of the ck cloaks ordered.

 Corpse

    In the cold mountains. The undergroundyer was warm and the water had stopped dripping from the ceiling. The wet spot on Catherine¡¯s mattress was concealed by her sleek ck hair. She turned to sit still. She raised her head to the ceiling and listened to the wind whistling and the top of the metal crater rustling.


    She had been missed with the chance of diving into her mind. Nothing was visible just dark and empty thoughts. She stared at Jackson¡¯s prosthetic tilting slowly to the side about to fall off his face. He caught on to it in a blink of an eye.


    ¡°How long have you been wearing that?¡±


    ¡°Ever since¡­ Ever since I was brought back.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to. Not that you need a concealer or anything, it¡¯s just me.¡±


    ¡°I just like to feel my face often, with this piece right here,¡± he knocks on the prosthetic on his face.


    ¡°The sweat is making it slip away. This ce is boiling heat,¡± Catherine loosened the top buttons of the jacket she got on.


    ¡°It looks like one of you,¡± he smiled.


    ¡°What looks-Oh you mean the jacket?¡± she holds out the leathery end. You see very well in this wispy light I see.¡±


    As much as she didn¡¯t want a glimpse of the silver caskets, she made eyes with it again. Her mood dampened.


    Jackson popped open a bottle of whiskey, ¡°Do you care for some?¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so,¡± Catherineid her head back on the wet spot. She withdrew immediately with difort in her eyes. ¡°Actually¡­ I think I do,¡± She walked over to him to grab a ss.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot more from where it came from,¡± Jackson smirked pouring her a ss.


    ¡°That¡¯s about enough,¡± she rubbed the bottom of the ss half full. ¡°I am not a heavy drinker.¡±


    ¡°Oh is that right?¡± Jackson raised his other eye which still had a visible brow.


    A sh of the ident on the road shed in her mind. The impact she made with Xander and his former mate. She was in her mind now. She wasn¡¯t imagining it.


    She looked out the blurry windshield. She could hear faint whispering from therger body on the ground. He bent over the female body lying on the ground and mped his palms over her face. The female body jerked her leg in struggle, her arms were not giving out a fight.


    Catherine was distraught. That moment in time, sitting in her car strapped in her seatbelt. The blood thick red, ran down the side of her face. She could no longer hear soundsing from the two bodies in front of her car.


    Her eyes felt dizzy. She could see the Xander all bare and smeared in blood. He walked to the side of her car and his face was now close to hers. Her eyes went nk on the spot.


    This was yet another discovery she had made of the Alpha. She tried so hard but was unable to feel resentment towards him.


    ***THE SAME MORNING AFTER THE FULL MOON***


    He woke up on the grass looking up at the tipping point of the pine trees. He huffed out the leaf in his mouth. He palmed the back of his head like he had felt a great deal of pain from it earlier. He lowered his palm and witnessed the dry blood from his hair in his palms.


    He looked down at the feet sticking out behind a tree.


    ¡°This dude didn¡¯t put up much of a fight than I expected,¡± Ruben itched his elbows through his cotton sleeves walking over to the tree bark. ¡°Any chance his heart grew back¡­¡± he turned the body over with his foot. ¡°Nah¡­ still a hole in the chest and a ripped-out heart,¡± he squatted next to Polo¡¯s corpse.


    He took the Delta¡¯s right hand and touched the ck stars carved on his right forearm. He looked at his inparison.


    ¡°It¡¯s the exact mark alright,¡± he said unpleasantly surprised.


    The stars had the seven points as he did. He thought of Eve. Her forearm was always covered with tons of beads. That was how she covered her identity. For Polo, he was always shirtless or wearing sleeveless clothes. It was quite odd he never noticed his arm.


    ¡°Last night was a drag,¡± he dropped Polo¡¯s lifeless arm. He rolled down his sleeves cotton sleeves. He jerked away to stretch his back. ¡°I can¡¯t even start tracking her now,¡± he lowered and squinted at the scattered tracks of shoeprints.


    He raised his head high and watched the flock of birds flying above him. It was like they got scared away by the first sight of danger.


    He straightened to his feet alerted. He heard fast footsteps approaching him. He keened in his senses, ¡®¡­where the heck is the pack?¡¯ he heard the person approaching mutter his breath.


    A shirtless man ran forward into the open space of the pine trees gathered. Ruben came down on him from the top of a tree. The delta realized the scent was a bit too familiar and he had made a move out of hesitation.


    Xander kicked Ruben in the ribs in midair. The Delta folded on the ground in pain.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Xander gave him a hand. Ruben stretched out his arm to be pulled up to his feet.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I just thought you were one of them,¡± Ruben held his side.


    ¡°One of who?¡± Xander turned around. ¡°And what is this?¡± he held out a red scarf in his hand.


    Ruben was rambling for a perfect exnation to save his ass. If Xanderes to light of him being in the ratchet w, he¡¯d be killed on the spot. His kind were worse than rogues. They sacrifice other werewolves every month to a witch. In return, they get to keep their human form in the setting of the full moon. Free from the unfathomable pain. They basically avoided the full-grown beastly transformation.


    The air was fresh on his brown skin. He clenched a fist at his back and turned to the Alpha to gulp out a part of the truth.


    ¡°The vampires. They came and rained hell down on us,¡± he narrowed his dull green eyes into Xander¡¯s bright green one. ¡°It was out of the blue.¡±


    ¡°How does that exin the whereabouts of the pack?¡± Xander inched forward opening his palms. ¡®Or are they dead like Polo over there?¡± Xander pointed to the pale corpse by the tree.


    Ruben was shocked Xander noticed. He hoped his Alpha wouldn¡¯t make him aware of the ck stars on the dead man¡¯s arm, because they were conspicuous and without shade.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing we didn¡¯t see them when we got herest night,¡± Ruben realized he had not stuck with the story he nned to. I said too much. He continued anyway, it was toote to change the narrative. ¡°They were all packed and cleared.¡±


    ¡°You mean to tell me the entire Alpha pack just left the scene¡­ ¡¯cause that¡¯s so fucking original,¡± Xander chuckled and rocked back. He wasn¡¯t impressed by this but was concerned deeply and worried about the lives of his dear Alpha pack. Hisst guess was them being at the Manor.


    ¡°No Alpha,¡± Ruben shook his head and rubbed his fist. ¡°Just the betas. The Deltas were at the oak trees.¡±


    ¡°Who gave the order to split up?¡± Xander furrowed. ¡°And where were you and the others who came around here when the Deltas were at their spot at the oak tree like you said?¡± Xander leaned in with his brows raised for intense assertiveness.


    Ruben could feel his defense breaking. He wanted to run from his Alpha before Xander connected the dots and came at him. Ruben looked back at Polo¡¯s corpse. From where he stood, the ck stars were still visible. His eyes wavered.


    ¡°It was the Luna,¡± Ruben drew in a short breath and let out a sharp exhale. ¡°Faye¡­ Eric was given the order I think¡­ we marched to the oak trees was all I knew and the deltas had suggested earlier we wait for you¡­ but our words held no ground to the number of the betas.¡±


    ¡°We have to move out. Let¡¯s have Shawn set up a rescue mission for whoever owns this scarf¡­ because it¡¯s got the scent of one of ours,¡± he patted Ruben on the shoulder. ¡°Maybe and maybe not¡­ the betas should be at the Manor. And Faye owes me a reasonable exnation for her decision,¡± Xander marched the path to the oak trees.


    Ruben followed him from behind. Relieved Xander didn¡¯t pressure him on the missing links.


    ¡°They have invaded our territorial borders,¡± Xander grunted. ¡°I don¡¯t know what led them on but this means war. They killed one of our in cold blood, we kill all of theirs.¡±


    The Alpha and the Delta jaunted towards where the sun had risen.

 She鈥檚 worth;ess

    In a basement with twitching bright at the four corners of the ceiling. She had her hands and legs tied in vines. Her head was sweating and her mouth was dry. She would pass out in a minute. She prodded her head against the wall to get the attention of her captors. They were so engrossed with their dealings with witches they didn¡¯t take one look at her.


    ¡°Finley made it clear didn¡¯t he?¡± Ophelia snapped.


    ¡°That was the n,¡± Marco interjected. ¡°And the wolves you trusted¡­ those goddamn mutts didn¡¯t show their faces.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t had anything other than lemonade on theke shorest evening. Her voice was shaky under her breath.


    Ruben sure makes the best of those.


    ¡°What was the n, Marcus?¡± Ophelia shook her head. ¡°This wasn¡¯t the clean sweep you intended. You even got railed into a tree by a werewolf.¡±


    ¡°At least I killed him,¡± Marcos grumped. ¡°You had that pretty boy wolf to deal with and you couldn¡¯tnd a scratch on him.¡±


    The head of the ck cloak dashed into the room in a sh. In Eve¡¯s eyes, she saw him as a blur. A blurry image like a smeared fresh painting.


    ¡°Now that you have got this out of your system,¡± Finley let down his hood. ¡°Mayfair will tell us what to do with her,¡± the three turned to face Eve lying on the ground across them.


    ¡°She is worthless,¡± Ophelia hung her cloak on the wall. Her inner cloth; a camisole, revealed the blood watermark on her shoulder de. Finley and Marco, as well as the others with them, should have this embedded in them.


    This is their hideout. It looks clean for a basement-too clean. I wonder if they devour all their victims under this cool venttion and lighting.


    ¡°We can feed her to the others,¡± Marco sat on the steel chair by the table. ¡°If she is that worthless.¡±


    A dark cloud emerged from the ceiling. It surrounded the lot in the room. Marco dashed out. Ophelia rushed to lift Eve on her shoulders.


    ¡°Don¡¯t run, it is Mayfair,¡± Finley dropped his palms on the table.


    The vampires came back to the center of the room. Mayfair¡¯s body took its form before them. She was in the appearance of the old witch yet again. No ravens, no feathers, no sheaths, just a frail pale-skinned old woman, dark treacherous eyes, and a brown scarf round her neck to go with her haggard sleeveless apparel.


    ¡°Well shit,¡± Marco dropped to his seat making a screech on the tiled floors.


    ¡°What?¡± Ophelia palmed his shoulder.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know she was this old,¡± His eyes widened. ¡°Witches are supposed to be sexy with all that Mesmer-you know what I mean?¡±


    ¡°I can look as sublime as a transient youngdy Marco Van Piers,¡± Mayfair made hollow cast beside him.


    ¡°Jeez,¡± Marco frisked off his seat. ¡°Don¡¯t do that again. I am warning you, witch.¡±


    ¡°You fret too much,¡± Mayfair teased.


    ¡°How the hell do you know my name?¡±


    ¡°She knows everything there is to know,¡± Finley brought out a seat for the old witch.


    ¡°I don¡¯t sit with the likes of you,¡± Mayfair held out a dismissive wave. Finley returned the seat to his side. ¡°Not that I mean to smear your name in the dirt. The blue bloods have existed for quite some time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right old witch,¡± Ophelia sat the other way round on the seat, with her arms on the back-rest. ¡°Our legacy speaks.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Ophelia Deschanel¡­ I hate to break it to you, but you will not live to see tomorrow,¡± the old witch uttered unequivocally.


    ¡°Haha¡­ That¡¯s some bullshit right there man,¡± Marco pped his palm on his thigh. ¡°Listen to me, you witch¡­ you don¡¯te here saying what is and what isn¡¯t. Finley, what is this all about for real, I thought we were gonna sacrifice that werewolf, to search for the sacred girl you were talking about man?¡±


    ¡°We are,¡± Finley breathed out. ¡°I have guys searching all the way far north¡­ they may even find something up in the mountains.¡±


    ¡°I wish to not intervene in your matters, but the werewolf you brought for me is the wrong girl,¡± the old witch crinkled. ¡°I thought you could deliver Manson?¡±


    ¡°It was the description you gave us Mayfair,¡± Finley stood up from his seat. The others followed suit. ¡°It was not to decipher the cryptic message but we did¡­ and her face was at the end of the vision you gave.¡±


    ¡°What are you going on about, witch?¡± Ophelia grimaced.


    ¡°I thought van Piers over here would have something to add,¡± the old witch rolled her eyes at Marco. ¡°She is the girl alright I just wanted to test your confidence for a change. I know you vampires have a cold heart but your blood runs hot.¡±


    ¡°And never runs dry,¡± Marco grinned. He was ready to take on the witch on Finley¡¯s call.


    ¡°I can dry yours up in a splint of a second boy,¡± Mayfair smirked.


    ¡°Man I don¡¯t like how this bitch is ying with us,¡± Marco muttered to Finley.


    ¡°I can hear you van Piers,¡± the old witch cast a shadow behind him.


    ¡°I warned you not to,¡± Marco¡¯s fangs seethed. ¡°This was thest string,¡± he groaned and charged at her.


    Finley just folded his arms and watched. Ophelia was right behind.


    ¡®What the hell?¡¯ Eve moaned on the cold tiles across the room.


    Marco was fast and quick to make contact with his fist. His hand went through her like a smoke. She vanished right in front of him.


    ¡°Bold of you to assume you can take on a witch,¡± Mayfair tittered in the atmosphere of the room. Her voice went round the ears of the vampires.


    Ophelia took a step forward, ¡°Show yourself a witch.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d suggest you stay away from this Deschanel,¡± the witch warned hovering above her like a dark cloud. ¡°Your end is near, don¡¯t meet it now.¡±


    ¡°Finley, what does she mean?¡± Ophelia red at her sire.


    The filter was unmoved. He sat back on the steel chair and crossed his legs. He folded his arms and smiled in amusement.


    Ophelia was infuriated.


    Marco ran about every corner of the room. Mayfair could pop out of nowhere. He wasn¡¯t taking his chances of getting caught off guard.


    ¡°You don¡¯t scare me, witch,¡± Marco gnashed his teeth.


    The dark shadow descended upon him. The weight restrained him to the ground. Although it wasn¡¯t physical, it held weights down on him.


    Eve was inches away from Marco. She heard the shuddering of his breaths.


    Marco was slowly suffocated. He couldn¡¯t turn his head to the side. The bones in his arms and legs were slowly crushing against the floor.


    ¡°Finley?¡± Ophelia yelped.


    She knelt by him, ¡°Tell her to stop,¡± she begged. ¡°He¡¯s in pain.¡±


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t die from it,¡± Finley rubbed his eyes. ¡°And besides, I am not the one calling the shots.¡±


    ¡°Do you wish to know hold your Elders in high regard?¡± Mayfair took the form of the vampire. Her foot was on his head. His skull would be crushed if he gave the answer she wantedte.


    ¡°Yes, Mayfair. Yes.¡±


    She hovered to meet Finley at the center of the room.


    Marco groaned in pain. She hurt him in a way his healing would take a toll on him.


    Ophelia rose steadily to her feet and sped across the room to help Marco.


    ¡°I hate to break it to you thiste,¡± the old witch smacked her lips. ¡°That girl brte you got tied up is an acquaintance of ours.¡±


    ¡°Oh wow¡­ never imagined us partnering with werewolves,¡± Finley rubbed his chin.


    Ophelia helped Marco hold Marco¡¯s arm over her shoulder, walking back to the center of the room. If she ran fast on her feet. Who knows, she might bump into one of Mayfair¡¯s hollow cast. And that will meet a disappointing end. Marco already suffered a deal for mismanagement of words.


    ¡°That makes me sick to my stomach,¡± Ophelia frowned. ¡°They are our worst enemies Finley.¡±


    Eve was from. She felt the pain all over her body desperate on the floor. Her body ached and she couldn¡¯t trace where the pain wasing


    ¡°And before I fail to mention, we already injected her with wolfsbane to keep her down for the day,¡± Marco groaned. ¡°Take that as a rude introduction brownie,¡± Marco turned back and gave Eve a wink.


    Ophelia set out another steel chair. Marco sat to recuperate. She just rested her bangs against the wall.


    ¡®Fucking wolfsbane. That exins it,¡¯ Eve sat down with her head up against the wall.


    ¡°She talks,¡± Ophelia scoffed.


    ¡°Might I add¡­ she is a ratchet w,¡± The old witch inched forward.


    ¡°Of the ratchet w?¡± Marco folded his arms on his chest.


    Ophelia had a smug on her face.


    Finley was eager to hear from Eve.


    ¡°She and the others got separated for a reason they haven¡¯t made known to me yet,¡± Mayfair made a hollow cast right next to Eve.

 She鈥檚 missing

    The day was much brighter on the west side. The sun parched the earthy grounds. The Deltas were all packed up on the oak trees. Xander and Ruben had just missed them. The firewood was still hot and the ambers were still lighted red.


    ¡°Seeing the pieces of rags around,¡± Ruben his palms behind his head and stretched. ¡°I am guessing they are at the Manor too.¡±


    ¡°Possibly¡­ I need answers fast,¡± Xander grunted. ¡°So no one fucking noticed there was an ambush?¡± he fisted into a tree bark. The red leaves of the northern red oak fell on his grumpy crinkled face.


    ¡°The manor must be packed with the lot of them,¡± Ruben held his arms to his hips. ¡°We can meet them on the road there,¡± he looked at Xander to give the go-ahead.


    ¡°The girl captured was a beta?¡± Xander raised a brow stepping forward. ¡°I don¡¯t recall any one of the betas having a piece of clothing tied to their head. And I know absolutely everyone.¡±


    ¡°I-I have no idea too,¡± Ruben slouched. ¡°She could have wandered away from the spot,¡± Ruben rolled his eyes to the ground.


    Xander¡¯s stare was stern. He knew Ruben¡¯s story didn¡¯t add up from the jump.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Xander nodded and held his palms together. His body glistened in the sun. The hairs on his chest were stubbed like the dark paws of a wolf.


    Xander walked right in front of him. The leaves fell off his bushy hair and swift down his chest with every step he made. Ruben trotted from behind.


    The Alpha and the Delta were out of the woods. They were walking on the road. A straight path that led to the gates of the Manor.


    From where they stood, they could sight a delta enteringst into the gates. Ruben recognized him fromst night. The curious delta that he and Joni ignored when he tried confronting them.


    ***IN THE COURTYARD***


    ¡°You want us to go on foot?¡± Eric thought carefully.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes. She is missing alright,¡± Shawn furrowed.


    ¡°For all we know, she could have snuck out and wandered somewhere,¡± Faye lined her brow with a finger. ¡°Only toe back showing her face after a bad trip.¡±


    ¡°You are one to jump to conclusions,¡± Shawn confronted.


    ¡°Hey easy now Shawn,¡± Eric held him back by the arm.


    ¡°Eve was left in your care and you-


    ¡°Don¡¯t mix shit up delta,¡± Faye pointed at his face. ¡°She came to me. And you expect me to have my eyes on her all night? That¡¯s crazy.¡±


    ¡°Well you should,¡± Shawn yelled at her face. He pulled his hand off Eric¡¯s grip. ¡°Eve is gone. And Polo¡­ he¡¯s fucking gone too.¡±


    Faye wiped down her face with a palm, ¡°I will give you two seconds to back the fuck off,¡± she warned with a grim. ¡°Get the fuck out of my face.¡±


    Jamal burst out of the door. Another delta from Shawn¡¯s main crew popped up from behind him. A few of Eric¡¯s betas came out two. This was bing a face-off.


    The rest of the Alpha pack walked by or had a room close to the windows of the courtyard stopped to watch and looked out their windows.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t shit,¡± Shawn lowered and spat at the ground to her feet.


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s just about enough of it,¡± Eric pulled Shawn back by the shoulders.


    Shawn jerked an elbow at the beta¡¯s nose. He had an immediate nosebleed. Eric huffed and charged at Shawn. Shawn¡¯s delta moved in close. Jamal grabbed thetter by the cor and fell him to the ground.


    Everyone watched in shock. Some other deltas came out and fought against the betas outside. It was a harsh brawl. They broke some of the ceramic configurations in the courtyard.


    No one dared near the fountain during the sh. It held a sacrament honored by every werewolf to heart.


    A delta was tossed around. The fe stumbled into Faye and tripped at her foot. Faye was aggravated. She took the betas by the neck and bashed his head against a pir. As much as she didn¡¯t want to join in on the fight or care for any fuss with the deltas, Jamal was held down by the deltas.


    She jolted with a kick into the deltas. Her fist went at the ear of one, another tried to attack her from behind, she took him by the arm and smashed his face into a vase.


    The fight had been long brewing among the two factions of the Alpha pack. It was getting bloody. Decorations and antiques were being destroyed. The fight progressed inside the Manor. A little disagreement between a delta and a beta turned into the throwing of fists.


    The wolves walking by were joining in on the fight. Werewolves got through on their backs. Necks were snapped on the spots. Werewolves passed pout on the ground due to massive impact with a fist from Shawn, a kick from Faye, and a spare from Eric.


    There were only a few standing on their feet. Jamal was knocked out on the ground. He was at the Faye side next to some other betas who stood their ground. Shawn was still in heat and his eyes burned with revenge. A delta was missing and he thought it most likely of the death of Shawn but he was unsure of it.


    It¡¯s the Alpha. The onlookers shut their blinds.


    Eric was restrained from throwing the first blow of the Elites. Xander was in the courtyard. His leg was pinned against Ruben to the ground.


    ¡°You guys quarrel over trivial things,¡± he shook his head slowly. ¡°You left this unnoticed,¡± he took Ruben¡¯s left arm and tore down his sleeve.


    Everyone had their mouths open. Some were slightly open for the air to aerate. Others were wide in astonishment.


    A traitor in our ranks.


    ¡°Every wolf of the pack wille out and strip naked on the fields,¡± Xandermanded. ¡°Eric, Shawn, and Shawn¡­ round up everyone.¡±


    ***HALF AN HOUR LATER***


    Out on the sunny fields. The girls had their legs crossed and their hands crossed against their chests. The boys had their hands covering their groins. The werewolves of the delta didn¡¯t mind showing off their skin and their underlying crevices.


    They stood with their arms and legs wide apart as Shawn did. Revealing their v-shaped pubic hairs. And among others, they had a ck spot or two on their nipples and freckles on their butt cheeks. A few minorities had wolf tattoos and some were trees and roman numbering. Eric had been inspected. He had the right to put on his clothes when Xander let him go.


    Faye opened her body willingly for Xander to see through. In her own way, this was a way to entice and perhaps taunt him.


    ¡°You like what you see,¡± She whispered biting her bottom lip.


    He looked behind her ears and pulled over her neck to check her nape. She arched her back. He moved away and inspected the other wolves.


    Ruben was beaten up so badly. Xander had roughed him up when they got to the gates. He came at him when Ruben went into the gates first. His face was slightly disfigured by the Alpha.


    Xander had been long searching for the traitors. Not just Faye partnering with the rogues and making life miserable for Catherine for a while. He knew there were other people in the pack who had other intentions.


    ¡°The ratchet w as you all know¡­ they are a secret collective of wolves,¡± he addressed everyone. They were getting back into their clothes and down on the grass. A few deltas remained nude. They might have been seeking this opportunity for a while.


    ¡°They have two ck stars engraved on their right forearm,¡± he illustrated with Ruben again.


    A few of the wolves felt pity for the beta they once knew.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it,¡± Sandra¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I never imagined he could do this. I guess we don¡¯t really know people.¡±


    ¡°Better believe it girl, a female beta snapped her finger at her. ¡°A traitor is a traitor, and he¡¯s going to get what he deserves.¡±


    ¡°He was kind of cute though Shanice. Thought I had me a hot Spaniard back there, but he¡¯s shady as hell,¡± another girl interjected. ¡°He fine but he bad though girl,¡± the girl with the nose piercing prodded at Sandra.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel sorry is what I am telling you,¡± Shanice squeezed a palm gently on Sandra¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I know,¡± she smiled and touched the girl¡¯s hand on her shoulder.


    The multitude scorned the traitor and wished they would get to kill him already.


    ¡°They should burn this nigga to a crisp man,¡± Manny tore through the grass.


    ¡°It¡¯s really shitty man,¡± Joni gritted. ¡°I almost fell for what he was going on aboutst night.¡±


    ¡°What did he tell you?¡±


    ¡°I will tell youter.¡±


    Shawn held no emotion toward his discovered delta. He was never one to oppose Xander¡¯s intuitions. And now these intuitions have been made true and visible for all eyes to see.


    The Alpha shoved Ruben back to the ground.

 Ugly fate

    The room was dark with no shed of light. Mayfair circled around her like wildfire. Eve inhaled and exhaled. Theing and going of footsteps. She could hear but feared. Seeing no one but listening to the bellowing of the bloodsuckers.


    She felt a slight pull on the back of her hair. Her face raised up to the ceiling. She saw dark spaces and hollow faces. A breath came down upon her eyes and asked¡­


    Did you meet every wolf of the ratchet w in the Alpha pack?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who the fourth pick was,¡± Eve breathed. ¡°It just so happened¡­ when I met the third guy, he didn¡¯t know any of us.¡±


    Eve felt the grip on her hair released. She lowered her head down her chest. The steps came to her front. Two hands mped down on her shoulders. She felt the hair of the person trimming her open arms.


    ¡°And why is that?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea.¡±


    ¡°Ruben, is it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Do you know Lird?¡±


    ¡°Yeah he¡¯s a beta, is he¡­?


    ¡°Yes, he is. Your fourth man,¡± thedy backed away slowly from Eve.


    ¡°Only Polo and I kept in touch.¡±


    ¡°It was the decision of the others not to know you too,¡± she said into Eve¡¯s ears behind her.


    ¡°To not have their cover blown? We are not amateurs.¡±


    ¡°They didn¡¯t want to lose their primary focus at the time. As you know, you all were given different tasks.¡±


    ¡°At least they could have reached out.¡±


    ¡°Not in the obvious. Ruben, he had Shawn to keep tabs on. And Lird was gathering information on the betas, leaching off Eric.¡±


    ¡°Shawn? Fucking Shawn?¡±


    ¡°It appears Shawn had a past we were interested in.¡±


    ¡°For a while, I thought Jamal was the fourth. Seeming Faye was the one to be pried, not fucking Eric,¡± Eve clenched her fists tied behind the steel chair.


    ¡°It worked alright for Lird. Eric was a big talker behind closed doors. And he had a secret in the Alpha Pack.¡±


    ¡°A secret? Quite a number of us know he likes boys,¡± Eve scoffed.


    ¡°That made Lird an easy fit,¡± Mayfair tittered.


    ¡°It will be a matter of time before he is discovered. I doubt Ruben is doing fine now unless he had found a way to escape.¡±


    ¡°Lird is not among the wolves of the Alpha pack. As we speak currently, he is on his way here.¡±


    ¡°And Ruben?¡±


    ¡°He has met an ugly fate.¡±


    The lights came on at the center of the room. The vampires round the steel table on their steel chairs. They faced her with a look of satisfaction in their eyes.


    Eve looked around for Mayfair. She turned left to see a young woman with long grey hair, eyes clear as crystals, and an endearing smile across her lips. The brown scarf and the frail apparel wouldn¡¯t give it away. This was the old witch, Mayfair. She was now young in her eerie beauty.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Why are they happy? And why am I still fucking tied up?¡±


    Marco licked his bottom lip and rose from his chair, ¡°You see darling¡­ the werewolves,¡± he pointed with a nt pose walking to her, ¡°you guys are no longer needed. As for your boy Lird, he¡¯s gonna die after he spills what he knows.¡±


    Mayfair turned away from Eve¡¯s side. Eve struggled with the rope and tilted her chair. The steel seat fell to the side. Eve hit her chin on the tiles of the basement.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°We gave Mayfair an offer she couldn¡¯t refuse,¡± Ophelia mounted her chin in her open palm on the center table.


    ¡°No hard feelings since we had a previous agreement,¡± Finley looked down pulling his fingers. ¡°Okay, Marco you can go ahead,¡± he palmed his thins and red at Eve on the ground.


    ¡°My pleasure,¡± Marco rubbed his palms and zoomed into Eve. He knelt to her side and picked her hair over her neck. He ran his fingers over her nape and smiled.


    Tears rolled down Eve¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I promise you,¡± she grinned. ¡°The ratchet w will have their revenge.¡±


    ¡°Let them have it,¡± Ophelia snarled crossing her legs over Marco¡¯s seat. ¡°Save a bit for me there Marco.¡±


    ¡°You snooze you lose Deschanel,¡± Marco chuckled softly. He pushed Eve¡¯s head to the ground and went down on her.


    Mayfair took onest nce at Eve before Marco buried his fangs into her neck. She wished things had gone differently with the ratchet w, but her initial n was to wipe them out for the time being. She walked up the stairs. Eve¡¯s screams faded behind her.


    The wolf girl knew no merit to her death.


    ***ON THE FIELDS***


    Xander buttoned the cor of his shirt. His body had been on disy long enough.


    ¡°There are a few who are not present here with us,¡± Xander collected the bow from Joni. ¡°Lird Malcolm, Eve Brownstone, and Apollo Ruiz,¡± he picked an arrow from the hatch Manny held.


    ¡°We found Apollo-Polo dead in the woods. Lird obviously ran, making an escape in the night.¡± Xander flicked his wrist, ¡°The girl¡­ we can track her with the scent of her blood.¡±


    Joni held up the red scarf stained with deeper red for others to see.


    ¡°If you are all wondering, and for those who don¡¯t know,¡± Xander¡¯s eyes went round at the Alpha pack on their feet. ¡°They don¡¯t turn during the full moon. The ratchet ws aren¡¯t as ruthless as we are. If they were, why the hell would they be hiding and lurking in our midst? They are weaker, not stronger. They may have stealth but we will find them and kill them.¡±


    Xander¡¯s eyes darted at Ruben being tied up to a pole by two betas.


    The Alpha pack looked at one another. They were disturbed by the fact their walls were prated by folks who were just like them. Lird was the only Beta listed. Eric¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. He turned to Faye for a reaction. She had her thoughts on orders to be given afterward.


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to hunt down that bastard we were deceived by,¡± Faye shook her head. ¡°You were cking off Eric. You were really cking off.¡±


    ¡°I will make up for it,¡± Eric inhaled sharply.


    ¡°No, we will.¡±


    She didn¡¯t give Eric thefort of looking into her yellow-green eyes.


    ¡°Three. Fucking three,¡± Shawn hit his fingers on the chest of a delta next to him. ¡°How could we let that happen?¡± he palmed the sides of his braids.


    ¡°We are gonna get them. Dead or alive,¡± the delta held his hand behind him looking sternly at Shawn.


    ¡°Toote for that,¡± Shawn picked at his ear lobes. ¡°Polo is dead. Xander let me know, but I can say the same for Eve.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a hard pill to swallow,¡± another delta steeped forward. ¡°The happened right under our noses.¡±


    ¡°Save your scrutinizing Evan,¡± the first delta warned with a grim. ¡°You are just as clueless as the rest of us.¡±


    ¡°That is what I am saying Andy,¡± Evan raised a brow.


    ¡°Just get prepared for a hunt,¡± Shawn gripped them by the shoulders. ¡°The Alpha pack relied upon us. Fuck it, this is what we do, and-and we lost sight of it. We lose the sense of everything. We track and we observe, and we failed to do it among us.¡± Shawn inched forward looking into the eyes of deltas surrounding him.


    Ruben was eyes closed and frail on the pole. Around his feet was a heap of hay. His hands were locked tight with cuffs on the pole. His clothes were stripped. His head was shaved and the delta with the coldest hearts were so close plucking his eyes out with their ws.


    Xander arched his bow and keened his target on Ruben¡¯s heart. The tip of the arrow was lighted with fire. Faye would have done the honors but Xander called the shots and made the shots. Now that the betas and deltas were awaiting a scolding after their charade the Alpha intervened.


    Shawn just watched his formerly acimed delta with scorn.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to say one thing to the traitor Alpha,¡± Shawn gesticted.


    Xander lowered his firing arm, ¡°we have gotten all the answers from him. What else do you desire delta?¡±


    ¡°He was one of mine. At least we thought he was,¡± Shawn¡¯s voice crescendos. ¡°I¡¯d like to beckon for the deltas to end him in a way we do our traitors.¡±


    ¡°No chance that¡¯s happening,¡± Xander raised his firing arm. ¡°I have still not pardoned the reckless behavior I met in the courtyard. I will assign you a mission with Eric to make up for that. Just the both of you, alone.¡±


    Xander squinted an eye as he fixed a gaze on the line of sight of the arrow.


    ¡°Your wish is mymand Alpha,¡± Shawn nodded.


    Shawn stepped back and stood to watch with the Alpha.


    Xander let loose of the arrow. It darted into Ruben¡¯s chest. The fire dropped down on the hay. The fire spread fast around him. The hair on his chest singed. Ruben burned like the man in the fire painting. A frame held at the top shelf of the living room.


    The images then ran through the mind of the treacherous delta. He let out no cry or wail. His death was sudden at the point of retrieval of the head of the arrow.


    After the Alpha pack watched him burn to char, the deltas cleared the burnt remains from the site.


    Faye and Shawn joined Xander walking back into the Manor. The other wolves scampered the fields and meandered the courtyard. A private was to be held in the Manor with no interference.

 That鈥檚 mine

    He walked down the steps to the basement. It was dark. He looked behind if he would see anyone pass by. A whiff in the air. He turned back to the door of the basement. The light is at the center of the room. He pushed open the door and left ajar.


    The empty seats were turned over the table. He wanted to leave when he saw a pile of blood on the tiles at the left end of the room. He perceived the presence of a rotten body. It was to ce where it was. The room was white, spacious, and empty.


    He walked to the right end of the room where he felt the scent strongly. He proceeded to touch the glistening walls. He felt a soft silky cloak. It appeared to be hung on the wall. He took it to look at the inner texture of the apparel for some reason.


    The name was tagged-Ophelia. He shuddered with the cloak in his hand. A sheeted carpet dropped next to him. It was camouged in white.


    He wasn¡¯t spooked by the scenery or the awkward silence. He kicked the carpet. It rolled over to reveal a pale-skinned Eve with her eyes popped wide open. She was sideways, behind her neck punctured with two ck holes.


    What the hell?


    He recognized her from the time she tagged along with the betas into the pinewoods. He was eager to know who she was but he never got close with the deltas. He knew of the existence of the ratchet w in the Alpha pack but never took action to find them out.


    She always had a red scarf tied around her head. She was one of us. They killed her. And now they disy her corpse to mortify me. This is a fucking trap. I need to get out of here. Who did this? Who fucking did this?


    The carpet was long, it extended to the table. A turned back to meet Ophelia smiling with her arms around herself.


    ¡°That¡¯s mine,¡± She picked her cloak from him and hung it back on the wall. ¡°It was ck. Now it¡¯s white. Very odd isn¡¯t it?¡± she cocked her head at him.


    I can take her on.


    ¡°You are one of them I see,¡± he breathed out in relief. ¡°I was told the others¡­ the ratchet w will be here.¡±


    ¡°You must be Lird,¡± she gave out her dark, long-painted fingernails for a shake. He shook her head convinced he was safe. Although still bothered about the blood puddle at the left end of the room.


    She turned his face away from the pile of blood. ¡°You look just like Marco,¡± she squinted drawing his cheek. ¡°Only that you are white,¡± she pouted.


    ¡°Nah¡­ his edges don¡¯t cut deep,¡± Marco popped behind Lird leaning against the wall. ¡°And you don¡¯tpare colors jeez. It sounds weird and just not right,¡± he jerked at the wall.


    I don¡¯t think I can take them both in a fight. He looks strong.


    ¡°Ophelia can get a little¡­ what¡¯s the word again?¡± Finley snapped his fingers sitting leg crossed on the center table. ¡°Unhinged yes, with her words,¡± Finley leaped off the table and folded his palms.


    Oh, fuck me. There are three of them.


    ¡°With her mind too,¡± Marco scoffed.


    Lird was concerned and was ufortable with Ophelia¡¯s grip on his face. His cheeks were beginning to redden, and her fingers hurt his jaws.


    ¡°I want to see Mayfair,¡± he put her hand down.


    He stiffened and stared Finley in the eyes.


    Finley nudged and pointed to himself, ¡°You think I know where she is?¡±


    The old witch screwed us over.


    ¡°Oof, this wolf boy doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s going on here,¡± Marco dashed to a steel chair. He turned it down from the center table to sit.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we start over now,¡± Ophelia straightened Lird¡¯s cor. ¡°You cane sit with us. Sit with me at least, the boys don¡¯t y nice,¡± she held his palm.


    Lird knew this wasn¡¯t going to end for him but he yed along. He walked to the center table, hand in hand with Ophelia.


    ¡°We y nice man,¡± Marco sprawled out his palms smiling. ¡°Ophelia don¡¯t let the wolf boy think we can hurt him.¡±


    ¡°Completely harmless,¡± Finley put down a steel chair for him.


    I should have seen thising. I can¡¯t believe this is how I die. Killed by bloodsuckers.


    ***


    They all gestured with jokes around the table. Lird was cautious of their eyes gleaning off him as they talked.


    ¡°On the surface was it?¡± Ophelia tongued her teeth.


    ¡°The fangs went inches deeper,¡± Marco thumbed the side of his mouth.


    ¡°No way,¡± Finleyughed. ¡°You made contact with the spine?¡±


    ¡°What if I did?¡± Marco smirked.


    ¡°You went down hard,¡± Ophelia squealed. ¡°You freaking animal.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t hold back when it¡¯s the vulnerable ones,¡± Finley rubbed his temple. ¡°I mean she was restrained and didn¡¯t chance. I like it when they fight back though.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm kinky bastard,¡± Marco crinkled. ¡°The struggle is annoying.¡±


    Finley raised a ss to Lird and just kept his eyes on him.


    ¡°What¡¯s annoying is that you didn¡¯t let me have in on it,¡± Ophelia frowned crossing her arms over her chest. ¡°You just went all in alone like you used to.¡±


    ¡°Come on now Ophelia,¡± Marco furrowed. ¡°She was gone seconds after I went in. And you don¡¯t like dead leftovers so¡­¡± he opened out his palms.


    Lird wanted to make a run for it the first chance he got. The door was wide open. His legs were tapping the floor frantically. It was still about ten twenty steps to make it to the door. What good will it do? The bloodsuckers would get to him in the nick of time.


    ¡°So guys let¡¯s not leave Lird out,¡± Finley drew his chair nearer. ¡°We have got matters to discuss,¡± he said sternly.


    ¡°What do you want to know?¡± Lird tensed.


    Marco rose from his seat and moved closer to stand next to Lird. ¡°Rx yourself,¡± Marco patted him on the shoulders. ¡°You will tell us what you know, then you can go. I cross my heart and hope to die,¡± Marco smiled slouching his shoulders.


    ¡°Tell us what exactly we need to know about Xander Marion,¡± Ophelia cracked her knuckles. ¡°Every single detail, without missing a thing,¡± she mmed a fist on the table.


    ¡°Easy now Ophelia. He¡¯ll talk, right?¡± Finley raised a brow.


    Lird adjusted his seat and locked his fingers. To his right, Ophelia narrowed her eyes at him. To the left was the door. In front of him was the sinister hooded blonde. He pulled away from Marco.


    ¡°Okay wolf boy,¡± Marco backed away and sat down. ¡°Get us started on this Alpha¡­¡±


    Lird cleared his throat and undid the first three buttons of his shirt. He rolled up his sleeves, raising his right forearm for them to see, ¡°You see this, this a not just a mark of the ratchet w,¡± he grinned. ¡°If you guys kill me here. The rest of us wille for you,¡± he stared into Finley¡¯s blue eyes. ¡°They won¡¯t stop until you are dead.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t threaten blue bloods my friend, but okay,¡± Marco stretched his arm on the table.


    ¡°Xander Marion¡­ he is the Alpha of the pack,¡± Lird side-eyed Ophelia.


    ¡°Of course, we know that already,¡± Ophelia palmed her face. ¡°Just tell us where he goes and who he goes with,¡± she wed her palm slowly down her face.


    ¡°The people he moves with,¡± Finley interjected. ¡°He obviously trusts them. We¡¯ll take them off the board one by one, till it¡¯s the big guy left.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he is a big thought,¡± Marco raised a finger. ¡°Just a regr-sized guy like me for real. I imagined


    ¡°I am aware,¡± Finley grunted. ¡°I have encountered him in New York once upon a girl.¡±


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t know about New York,¡± Marco folded his palms on the table. His eyes questioned Finley. ¡°And upon a girl¡­?¡±


    ¡°Shut up Marco,¡± Ophelia snapped. ¡°Carry on Lird. Just tell us his weaknesses.¡±


    ¡°First and foremost, he always has Joni and many with him,¡± Lird breathed out shakily, locking eyes with brute Finley. ¡°And with what Eric tells me¡­ they are hiding something. I can say they were, not since the night of the turning-full moon.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°So¡­ we get those guys, we know what Xander is hiding?¡± Marco tugged at Lird¡¯s folded sleeves.


    ¡°We can move out tonight,¡± Ophelia turned to Finley. ¡°Right?¡±


    Finley observed Lird wary and fidgeting.


    ¡°Anything on your mind?¡±


    Lird looked up with a swallowed-up confidence.


    ¡°Why did you kill her?¡± pointing at Eve¡¯s corpse on the carpet.


    ¡°Oh yeah¡­ her? I knew something smelled like shit in here,¡± Marco sniffled. ¡°I did. You want to do something about it?¡±


    ¡°No. I just wanted to know why?¡± Lird fixed a gaze at Finley.


    ¡°She was of no use,¡± Finley sighed. ¡°There was this Faye she was meant to get close to, but she failed woefully, so that¡¯s it,¡± he sped his palms together.


    ¡°You guys had a thing?¡± Ophelia jerked him with a wink.


    ¡°I think you want to do something about it,¡± Marco confronted. ¡°Come on, let me have it,¡± he pushed Lird lightly behind the head.


    ¡°Let him talk Marco,¡± Finley mmed the table with a fist. ¡°There is no time for this.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time to die,¡± Marco whispered into Lird¡¯s ear. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I can tell you about Xander,¡± Lird rose to his feet. ¡°Can I go now?¡±


    ¡°Bummer,¡± Ophelia yawned.


    ¡°The time is now,¡± Marco took Lird by the neck and mmed his head against the table. ¡°It¡¯s gonna strong wolf boy,¡± he opened his fangs.


    Finley dashed towards Marco and shoved him to the ground, ¡°I say when.¡±


    ¡°Yaypetition,¡± Ophelia cheered. ¡°Save me a sip.¡±


    Lird eyes widened. Finely turned his face up on the table and bit into his neck. He raised his head back in exhale. Lird was choking on his blood on the table.


    ¡°Come have the rest,¡± Finley smiled to Ophelia.


    She hopped on the table and munched down on the beta.


    ¡°Fuck this,¡± Marco walked away with disdain in his eyes. ¡°Just hit me up when we leave,¡± he threw his hands in the air.

 First wolf of beta

    ***AT THE MANOR***


    Eric enteredst into the living room. Faye sprawled on the couch, by the left of the room. Shawn sat upright on the one chair by the firece, above his head was hung the painting of the burning man. Xander sat on a one-seated sofa with his palms on his knees. His face was hardened when Eric proceeded to sit.


    ¡°Who permitted your entrance?¡±


    Eric retreated to his stance by the cloakroom.


    ¡°As the first wolf of the beta-


    Xander clenched the armrest.


    ¡°And who deemed you first wolf of the betas?¡± Xander furrowed.


    Eric stood head up, with his hands sped behind his back.


    Faye mounted her elbows on the cushion on herp. She palmed her face in disappointment. She had ordered Eric with a dismissal wave, moments earlier on the fields.


    Shawn widened his legs. He was eager to hear what the beta had to say for himself.


    In his forlorn attempt to back his misconception, Eric nced at Faye, who had her headid back on the couch staring at the convex d¨¦cor of the ceiling. No hope there.


    He swallowed up his utterance when Xander rose up from the sofa.


    ¡°Faye is still the first beta, Luna or not,¡± Xander¡¯s fist waved over her head. ¡°I see no reason you perceive yourself valuable to be here. You started an uproar at the courtyard,¡± Xander shook his head with a palm over his face. ¡°And now you-


    Eric dropped his hands to his sides.


    ¡°I only intervened when Shawn-


    Shawn stomped the floor standing at the firece.


    ¡°How dare you interrupt,¡± he scowled. ¡°Maintain your silence.¡±


    Faye didn¡¯t hold any bars either. And she wouldn¡¯t let Shawne at one of her own.


    ¡°Hold your peace delta,¡± She swatted the cushion to the side. ¡°You have no words to spill in the presence of the Alpha,¡± she dropped her legs down to the carpet.


    ¡°Every one of you should shut your mouths,¡± Xander stepped to the center of the room. Shawn and Faye were steady on their feet. ¡°Eric Parker¡­¡± he darted at the beta. Eric¡¯s eyes were peeled with attention, ¡°Get out and shut the door behind you lightly,¡± Xander ordered.


    Eric turned back to the door and went outside. The door made a slight shriek when he closed it shut.


    ***


    Xander rocked back and forth in the living room. Faye twirled her hair in her finger staring at the back of his head. Shawn stared straight at the window. He envisioned his deltas right behind the door, eavesdropping. He imagined Joni, even though he¡¯d never hang with the others but he thought of him.


    ¡°Let this sink into your thick skulls,¡± Xander turned to them. They fixed their eyes back on him. ¡°It will be a matter of time before the Alpha pack starts to lose themselves,¡± he pointed a finger at his temple.


    ¡°The deltas would be the first,¡± Faye picked at her fingers.


    ¡°With all due respect¡­¡± Shawn confronted staring down at Faye.


    A knock came at the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Xander nudged.


    The door opened slightly. The loose threads of a grey beanie protruded inside.


    ¡°It¡¯s um- Joni¡­?¡±


    ¡°Just tell him, man,¡± Manny¡¯s voice whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting there alright,¡± Joni muttered.


    Their shadows were wobbling at the foot of the door.


    ¡°Alpha, we were wondering if¡­ we just wanted to know if we coulde in.¡± He coughed.


    ¡°The whole pack,¡± Manny hissed.


    ¡°Like¡­ the whole pack. The thing is we haven¡¯t had anything to eat all morning. Sir-I mean Alpha,¡±


    Xander walked to the door, ¡°You don¡¯tin to me. Go out to hunt critters or something.¡±


    Joni put his hand through the door, ¡°So should I tell the others or¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yeah you do that,¡± Xander pped his hand away and pushed the door shut.


    He turned back to the others who had rxed on the couch, ¡°As we were,¡± They jolted upright to their feet.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take her bullshit any longer,¡± Shawn huffed. ¡°They treat us deltas as runts in the litter.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Put the petty beef aside,¡± Xander groaned. ¡°I won¡¯t give any contributions to that.¡±


    ¡°I just want to put it out there Alpha,¡± Shawn returned to his stance.


    Faye smirked. The delta clenched his fists behind him.


    ¡°The reason I didn¡¯t let Eric in is clear to her,¡± Xander cleared his throat. Faye looked up at him. ¡°He is respected among the wolves of the pack, yes. And I hold at a high regard as I do the both of you. In your ws and your counter actions.¡± Xander gleaned at Faye.


    The first delta and the first beta stood apart as Xander inched forward to them


    He ced his hands on their shoulders, ¡°Under no circumstance do you let bring that regard to a low,¡± he squeezed tightly. ¡°The Alpha pack relies on us. And if we break, they¡¯ll scatter into pieces we cannot assemble.¡±


    They faced each other and Xander stepped back to let them have a moment.


    ¡°I just want you to know,¡± Faye pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°I don¡¯t like any of you-deltas. And It doesn¡¯t break my heart to keep you all at arm¡¯s length,¡± she breathed out stretching her arm to shake it off.


    Shawn obviously didn¡¯t take that as an apology. Her bluntness was shown in her actions and her words. She clearly stated it in front of the Alpha didn¡¯t make the sky brighter or the grass greener. Just an emotionless standstill.


    ¡°I will join forces for our exploits. Even if it means holding back the urge to rip out your ck heart,¡± his fists opened to his side.¡± He shook hands with her regardless. His lips didn¡¯t break the faintest smile.


    ¡°Can we be seated now?¡± Faye wiped her palm on the side of her jean shorts. ¡°Now that we have gotten this over with right?¡± she raised a brow at Xander.


    Xander walked back to his armchair opposite where Shawn sat at the firece. Faye bent over to pick her cushion from the carpet. Her thighs were scanty and revealing. She pushed the cushion on her chest and hopped on the couch.


    ¡°I would like to share something with you both. Something I had held too long to be a dark secret,¡± Xander breathed out. ¡°It will be devastating to your ears. And I can¡¯t promise your trust in me will remain the same.¡±


    ¡°We can take in whatever you have to tell us Alpha,¡± Shawn leaned back on the sofa.


    ¡°This will be quite the enlightenment,¡± Faye folded her legs up on the couch.


    ***


    ¡°That night I drained the little life left in her frail body,¡± Xander lowered. ¡°She would have thought of seeing the light of the next day. And I-I took that chance away,¡± he nced at his wolves tensed in their seats.


    ¡°This is¡­ It is so overwhelming,¡± Shawn squatted on the carpet staring into the ambers of the firece. ¡°After so long. It¡¯s been months, if not a year Xander,¡± he elevated to his feet with his eyes narrowed at the Alpha.


    Faye locked her fingers over her feet and stretched, ¡°Well¡­ shit. I honestly can¡¯t believe this Xander,¡± she pushed her hands behind her back and leaped on the carpet. ¡°This is so outrageous. I can¡¯t-I can¡¯t take your side when the elders hear of this. I am sorry,¡± she gasped into her palms.


    ¡°I know how you must be feeling. You loathe me and want me to meet justice for my actions,¡± Xander took his eyes off his feet and red at the ceiling. ¡°Right about now¡­ if the pack gets to know, it will cause a divide.¡±


    ¡°You want us to keep it secret?¡± Shawn looked puzzled. ¡°You just let the cat put the bag and you want to put it back in. Fuck no man.¡±


    ¡°Saving your ass as always,¡± Faye ced her arms on her hips. ¡°Typical Xander Marion. Do you think we will lean into your sob story? You are not innocent don¡¯t you get it?¡± She pushed a finger at his chest.


    Xander made a step back. From where he stood, he made a pedestal for scrutiny. He knew what woulde if he came clean with the top delta and the top beta.


    ¡°Watch it, Faye,¡± Shawn warned. ¡°He might be in the wrong, but don¡¯t be too quick to act rash all of a sudden.¡±


    ¡°You want to take his side?¡± Faye snarled. ¡°You want to take the side of a murderer. He is the reason came at us with the rogues. Heck, Xander made us believe we could wee a human in our ranks.¡±


    Faye realized she was taking it to another level of criticism. She would love to start a mutiny, but Xander had spared her life more than once. She made terrible decisions in the past. And if word got out about her alliance with the rogues. She wouldn¡¯t be any less different from Xander. A traitor regardless.


    ¡°Catherine is dead,¡± Shawn snapped. ¡°Right?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ the human is dead,¡± Faye gleaned at Xander. ¡°And you are right. Xander is in the wrong but we can¡¯t just go against him.¡±


    Xander was ddened Faye came to her right mind. If she hadn¡¯t he¡¯de the satisfaction of exposing her corroborations with the rogues. And how it led to a temporary fallout in the Alpha pack. Jackson was a living testimony of that.

 His father鈥檚 demise

    The Alpha pack had entered into their rooms before the fall of night. It was gloam and dark. Awaiting no debacle in their slumber. Lying alone with hopes of what tomorrow brings, their hearts sang no melodies. Long admirers intertwined their bodies. A few awakeying waste to their guilty pleasures.


    The halls were empty and the Manor was silent. Fayey on her bed pondering in her thoughts. She had her mind deterred on the chance she lost to get back at Xander. There have been hurdles along the way, but she had grown to give in to where her loyalties lie-begrudgingly or not, Xander remained the Alpha.


    They had settled on keeping the word to themselves. Not an end note, but not to stir up mutiny in the ranks. At times like this, they needed to build up trust in fending up their enemies and holding up their walls. Their barriers could be broken physically and mentally by unknown forces.


    Xander was alone in the living room. The rays of the twilight narrowed on his dull green eyes. He palmed his hair down over his face. He had nofort. No sce in what destruction is yet toe. He thought of Catherine. Was she safe, and had the enemy not found her in the mountains?This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Shawn huddled in a corner by the stairwell. The bottle of whiskey dropped from Xander¡¯s hand and rolled away from his feet. The Alpha reeled to his feet and wiped the sorrowful stain down his lips. He outside to the courtyard. Shawn turns to the kitchen, to leave out the backdoor.


    Xander knelt by the fountain. He gleaned into his reflection. He remembered how he felt insecure around his father. He received little recognition living and breathing by his side. A tincture of condescension. A shadow over his happiness.


    Truth be told, he never wanted this life. He wanted to live as a recluse in the wild. ¡°That¡¯s no man¡¯s life. A man with no followers. He is as good as dead. Living to die not dying to live.¡± his father always said to him as a teenager.


    He mped his palms over the fissures.


    To hell with you James.


    Shawn watched the Alpha resent himself. He wished he had been there for Xander then and now. One of Xander¡¯s oldest friends. When responsibility came along, they drifted apart. And barely kept on in each other¡¯s personal life. Shawn tried severally. Xander always shut the door of closure and pushed him away. He was just a noble wolf under his hand.


    Xander had terrible feelings of guilt. Dahlia. She was indifferent. Hair like a peach fuzz. She was fun to be with. They swam in the dark water alone when everyone was away. She was quick to smile. Xander loved her personality, but he failed to love her. Not because she was a werewolf born with a weak heart, but because she was born of a man who had a role to y in his father¡¯s demise. Drew.


    ***FLASHBACK***


    Out on theke shore at dust. The two almost-destined wolves sat on the wet sand. Their feet washed in the waves. He stared at the far depths of the dark waters. She held her arm in his and rested her head gently on his shoulder.


    ¡°Are you sad, or you are scared you¡¯ll not be happy again?¡±


    She ran her fingers down his forearm. It was soothing.


    ¡°I have you now. You are here with me.¡±


    He bobbed his head on hers. And smiled locking his fingers around hers.


    ¡°If there is ever a time¡­ a time I am not here,¡± She raised her head from him. ¡°You can find another that will make you happy. Happier than I did,¡± she looked into his eyes and palmed his neck.


    ¡°You are a special one,¡± he leaned in close. ¡°There are not many special ones out there.¡±


    ¡°Take your chances,¡± she inhaled sharply. ¡°I will die. And I will not live again. You¡­ you get to do that-live and do many things again.¡±


    ¡°You say this like you are saying your goodbyes,¡± he withdrew his feet from the waves and crouched next to her. ¡°Don¡¯t talk like this Dahlia,¡± he fisted sand on the ground.


    She stared looked away and stared at theke, ¡°A time wille. I will be very much weaker. So weak I won¡¯t catch up with walks, talks or even care to remember.¡±


    He crossed his arms around to console him, ¡°Don¡¯t think about the past. Think about the present, the time we are having now,¡± he kissed her forehead.


    A tear rolled down her left cheek, dropping on Xander¡¯s hand, ¡°Promise me I won¡¯t experience that.¡±


    He embraced her, ¡°What do you mean Dahlia?¡±


    ¡°Take away my pain before it gets toote,¡± she looked back at him. He was stuck in rue. ¡°Promise me, Xander,¡± she squeezed his hand.


    ¡°What you are asking of me is-


    ¡°Just promise me. Please.¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    ***THE PRESENT***


    He buried his face in the fountain. His tears mixed with the bubbles of the precious white stones in the depths of the fountain. He slung back. The water sprinkled down from his hair sshing against his neck. He rose to his feet, wiping his face and his shirt. Shawn had to let him be. He watched Xander meander into the garden. He stepped back and turned to the back door.


    The Alpha pulled up next to him like his entourage. His personal service providers. They must have been keeping a close eye on him since he left his chambers. Even Shawn failed to see them around.


    ¡°Go back inside,¡± Xander squeezed the water out the neck of his shirt. ¡°I won¡¯t say it again.¡±


    Joni inched forward, ¡°We just thought you could use thepany.¡±


    ¡°Might as well take a stroll,¡± Manny itched behind his sweatshirt. ¡°What do you?¡± he opened and turned over his palms.


    Xander¡¯s forehead creased, ¡°Do I look like I needpany?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ No, we just¡­,¡± Manny looked at Joni. ¡°Let¡¯s go back in man.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Joni nodded zipping up his hoodie.


    Xander groaned, ¡°Don¡¯t juste up in my face next time. Get out of my sight.¡±


    The delta and beta lowered walking away by Xander¡¯s side.


    ***


    Xander was out of the field walking towards the gates. A night stroll wouldn¡¯t be bad, but he wanted to be alone. Marco crept up behind the walls of the gate. Xander walked out without detecting his presence. The Alpha started to pick up a steady pace to jog. He went down the narrow road.


    The further he got away from the Manor. The night came closing in, and so did the vampires. Ophelia was stealthy with her cloak dashing in the woods. Finley was at a standing point at the end of the road, before the highway.


    Xander noticed a ghostly apparition down his path in the night. He looked like he had seen a ghost, it aroused specters from his past. The wraith of James Marion.


    Xander slowed down in his steps. The hooded cloak down the road sped fat to his side, like a blow of the wind. The Alpha was struck to the ground. Xander coughed up. He felt the air pumped out of him. On the gravel road under the street light, he turned to the thick woods, and a grey-haired woman stepped towards him pulling over her ck cloak.


    Another came from up the road. Xander was raised up from the neck of his shirt by the hooded cloak figure. The other two held the Alpha¡¯s hand. He was restrained in their grip. No matter how hard he tried to let loose, his arm wouldn¡¯t budge. They kicked at his legs, he dropped to his knees.


    ¡°Remember me?¡± Finley dropped his hood.


    Xander gained quick recognition of the vampire that tried to attack Catherine in her apartment. He remembered him to be much skinnier and leaner.


    Finley raised Xander¡¯s chin up, ¡°You do remember.¡± He smacked a fist down the Alpha¡¯s head.


    Xander lowered. The Vampire¡¯s by his side held him up to take another hit. Finley was hitting down hard on the Alpha¡¯s head. Xander¡¯s head was bruising a cut.


    ¡°Not so strong now are you?¡± Finley roared pulling Xander¡¯s hair to lift his face.


    ¡°Are we ripping his heart out or what?¡± Marco grinned. ¡°Taking him hostage is not an option, I see his wsing out and shit.¡±


    ¡°You packed the dose didn¡¯t you?¡± Ophelia snapped. ¡°We can keep him down with-


    ¡°Shit!¡± Marco furrowed. ¡°I thought we were gonna kill him on the spot. Not dragging his ass to the base-


    ¡°Fuck that,¡± Finley groaned. ¡°Break his wrists.¡±


    Ophelia and Marco pushed Xander¡¯s hands behind his back. The Alpha gnashed his teeth and struggled. He pulled back his wrists and it snapped. Xander yelled in pain.


    ¡°Quick do it,¡± Marco panted holding back Xander¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°You are going to feel the pain of your heart crushed,¡± Finley ripped Xander¡¯s shirt. ¡°Literally.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get it over with,¡± Ophelia said, worried wolves can pop out of nowhere seeing this is their territory.


    ¡°We have all the time,¡± Finley took his hand off Xander and leaned back on his stance. ¡°Nothing¡¯s going to stop us from ending this mutt.¡±


    Manny jumped from a tree into the air. He jolted a kick into Marco. The vampire tumbled to the ground. The Alpha had an arm free. Ophelia fidgeted. He swept her to the ground with his feet. Joni attacked Finley from behind, but the vampire was cautious enough to block the attack. He caught Joni by the neck.

 Don鈥檛 let me die

    The night was set in the mood of the fight. As if the forest was not there, a rush of wind came at the six of them on the road. Their cloaks were floating in the air. The werewolves stood in a wide stance.


    Joni drew in a long breath, ¡°Let go of me, you bastard.¡± He ps at Finley¡¯s hold on his neck.


    ¡°Die, you wretched mutt,¡± Finley¡¯s nails scratched deep into Joni¡¯s neck.


    Xander leaped at Finley. Marco rushed at the Alpha¡¯s legs. They both rumbled in the dirt. Manny was the only viable option. Joni was beginning to lose consciousness. He was bleeding down his neck.


    Ophelia crawled away on the ground. She didn¡¯t want to be spotted as an easy target. As frantic as Manny was, he didn¡¯t hold back. He pounced on her and bit into Ophelia¡¯s arm on the ground.


    The vampire shrieked. Finley dropped Joni to the ground and turned back to see to Ophelia. Joni wrapped his palms around his neck. Manny wasn¡¯t relentless but he gave it a shot. He went head-on with Finley.


    Ophelia was bitten by a werewolf. She will be caused to suffer a detriment that can¡¯t exceed healing. Just as the witch had predicted. Today was her death call. She lives to see past this hollow night.


    She ripped at her cloak and tied it around the end surface of the bite. The bite had spread dark veiny lines over her forearm. She squelched pressing against the open wound.


    ¡°That¡¯s futile,¡± Manny smiled. ¡°You are done for bloodsucker.¡±


    ¡°Prepare to meet your end,¡± Finley stabbed a finger at the beta.


    Manny leaned forward and balled his fists. Like a wave in the air, Finley came up behind him. Manny turned with a curious stiff. The vampire punched him in the face. The heavy blow set the beta down a knee.


    Marco and Xander separated from themselves and stared eye each other dead in the eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared of you,¡± Marco punched into his fast raising a brow.


    Xander knew the Vampire woulde at him fast. He had to make firm and precise movements towards the attack. All the more, he wasn¡¯t scared. He had the upper hand, now that the grey-haired was weak on the ground.


    ¡°You should,¡± Xander nced at Ophelia on the ground and looked back at Marco.


    ¡°She got unlucky,¡± Marco wiped a sniffle. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you got bitch.¡±


    Xander ran at him. The vampire front flipped over Xander. He jerked back a kick on the Alphanding to the ground. Xander staggered to the feet and maintainedposure.


    Manny was hit severally on the ground till his eyes were bulgy and his nose bled out. This wasn¡¯t like the time on the mission with the rogues. He had given in to fear and let Finley take control of the fight. Hey on the ground like a punching bag.


    Ophelia knew there was nothing for her here. She made eye contact with Joni, who was now on his feet standing tall. She dashed away up the road. The delta let her go. He kicked Finley off Manny.


    It was in a brevity of the moment, that Finley turned around and struck Joni on the head with a kick. The delta was slow to evade. Manny came to his right state of mind. He took Finley to bite the legs and reached to bite him. The vampire kicked away and jumped back.


    Finley realized the blue blood had been lost. This was not how it was nned to go down. He could fight with the delta and beta but they weren¡¯t worth it. He wanted to get back at the Alpha at all costs, but tonight was not the night.


    Marco was too cocky in his runs. Xander caught him with a punch in the gut. The vampire lowered and stepped back. Xander came with a kick. Finley rushed to Marco¡¯s aid. He held the kick over Marco¡¯s head.


    ¡°Run, now!¡± Finley warned.


    ¡°I am not a runner,¡± Marco got to his feet.


    Xander came at Finley¡¯s head with another kick. Finley stumbled into Marco. Marco held him from falling.


    ¡°Let¡¯s retreat for now,¡± Finley grunted into Marco¡¯s ear. ¡°Ophelia¡­¡±


    Manny was sadly enlightened she was on death row. He gritted his teeth and clung to Finley.


    Manny and Joni were close to surrounding the Vampires. The Vampire sped away right beside them. The wind almost knocked Manny off his feet.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Should we go after them?¡± Manny jutted his chin.


    ¡°You¡¯re hurt I¡¯ll go with the Alpha,¡± Joni put his arm over Manny.


    ¡°Get off me,¡± Manny jerked away.


    ¡°Rx now boys,¡± Xander stared up the dark road and turned to them. ¡°No one is going after anybody.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Manny held his side clenching a fist. ¡°They attacked us.¡±


    ¡°No. They attacked me,¡± Xander looked up. ¡°I was targeted. If you guys hadn¡¯te around¡­¡± he looked down pinching the bridge of his nose, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ they would have killed me. They had all the time. They stalled,¡± Xander breathed out dropping his palms to his thighs.


    ¡°We are d we were of help Alpha,¡± Joni nodded.


    ¡°Too bad they got away,¡± Manny hissed.


    ¡°I admire the courage you both have shown,¡± he waved a finger at them. ¡°You got hurt in the process. And yet you both remained, defending with pride by my side.¡±


    ¡°How did they even know where you were?¡± Joni¡¯s eyes widened, with his arms akimbo.


    ¡°They were obviously keeping tabs,¡± Manny coughed folding his arms over his chest. ¡°Thanks to those fucking ratchet ws. That Lird son of a bitch surely filled them in. I swear if I get to see that little-


    ¡°He¡¯s probably dead,¡± Xander jammed his hands in his pockets and walked up the road. ¡°Those guys don¡¯t like they want to associate themselves with wolves of any kind.¡±


    ¡°Gosh, man. That means they¡¯ve got eyes on us,¡± Joni breathed into his palms increasing the pace in his steps. ¡°The Alpha pack will really have something to worry about now,¡± Joni turned to nce at Manny behind to get a reaction.


    Manny looked away dragging his feet behind them.


    ¡°No word of to the pack,¡± Xander halted. He turned back with a grim, ¡°Like I said, they targeted me. This has nothing to do with the pack. Get that into your thick skulls.¡±


    Manny ck-jawed, ¡°Y-yeah¡­ we won¡¯t say anything right Joni?¡±


    Joni nodded quickly, ¡°Not a word.¡±


    Xander turned back to the road walking up. The gates can be seen in a short distance. The beta and the delta red at each other worried about Xander.


    The Alpha rambled in his mind walking into the open gates. Joseph Fletcher.


    ***


    Ophelia wouldn¡¯t stop running. She was on the highway. Her vision was so blurry couldn¡¯t see the edge of the cliff. She stubbed her foot and fell through. A hand caught on to her cloak.


    ¡°Stay with me,¡± Marco groaned pulling her up. ¡°I have got you, Ophelia.¡±


    Finley helped with a hand. They ced her gently on the side of the road. Her eyes were too red around the corners. Her body was shaky and she was panting.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me die, Finley,¡± she whimpered. ¡°Don¡¯t let me go,¡± she cried tugging at the cor of Marco¡¯s cloak.


    Marco turned to Finley. His palms were shaking and he didn¡¯t want to turn to Ophelia¡¯s bloodstained crystal eyes. Finley held both of their hands tightly.


    ¡°Ophelia¡­ I don¡¯t want you to suffer,¡± he watched the dark lines spreading to her neck. ¡°The bite has spread so far, immense pain awaits. I can¡¯t let that happen.¡± He sniffed shaking his head.


    ¡°The old witch said it man,¡± Marco saddened.


    ¡°Shut up about Mayfair,¡± Finley took Marco¡¯s hand off Ophelia¡¯s. ¡°You don¡¯t know shit. I knew it was a bluff. This¡­ this was just an unfortunate coincidence.¡±


    ¡°Coincidence?!¡± Marco gasped in disbelief. ¡°You were there. You sat still watching her threaten Ophelia. You did nothing man,¡± he furrowed.


    Finley grimaced, ¡°You don¡¯t want to start this.¡±


    Ophelia wheezed in pain, ¡°It hurts.¡±


    Marcopleted go snapping a branch to stake her heart, or rather, ripping her heart out from her chest with his bare hands. He looked at his hands and up at the little tree on the rocks of the highway.


    Finley ces his right palm over her chest, ¡°It will be over soon.¡±


    Ophelia closed her eyes and let out a faint gasp.


    Marco was upset Finley jumped to a conclusion, ¡°You can¡¯t just-


    Finley lunged his hand into her chest and pulled out her heart.


    Finley¡¯s eyes were darkened, ¡°They will pay for what they have done.¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Marco sped his hands behind his head and walked away.


    Finley stood over her body and watched it crack up in a white me. The body of a Vampire cremating itself after sudden death. From corpse to ashes.


    Finley rolled a sleeve over the organ in his hand. He kept it underneath his cloak. He gathered her ashes in a pile. As blue blood would have it, they scattered the ashes of their own in the nearest body of water. To symbolize the ongoing journey in the blue.

 A wolf

    ***JOSEPH FLETCHER***


    A cross-eyed young boy was alone by the window of the small room. His hair was ck, long, and over his eyes. The other kids were congested at the corner sleeping in their sleep-bags. The group home Mistress was in the upper room. He knew better to tap the ss aloud.


    I want to be seen. I want to live with a family. A family that loves me in a home of my own.


    Raindrops outside in the gloomy night. He wanted to be at the other end of the ss. Every day since he could remember, all the friends he made were chosen and raised-raised in homes away from here. He was one of the oldest little boys and the one with the least hopes of getting picked. His sad green eyes disheartened the hopeful parents.


    That ginger girl in a green sweater.


    His only female friend is Maurice. She was more like an annoying that stuck around him when the kids were all together. The only pair he made. Ten years in all his life, she made him crack open a smile with his dull purple lips.


    Goodbye, Joe.


    Thest time he would see her. She was going off with the young couple. She would live a better life in the parts of the city. The group home was all Joe knew. The coffee shop out front was the only imagination of the outside world. He didn¡¯t believe the stories read in the books. He wanted to live it to believe it.


    Don¡¯t be stuck on those silly stories. They are not real.


    Go away you freak!


    His hopes of getting adopted were tarnished every day. He made no smile orugh like the other children. The mistress was fed up with his bleakness. She often left him in the upper room when the parents arrived. The soon-to-be parents. The young adults and the old adults alike. The adults who were desperate to have children.


    He peeped down on a hole in the floor. A man came in one day. Earlier than the other parents. He was alone with no partner. He was in a monochrome grey suit. His hair was finely cut with a clean shaved beard. The Mistress was hovering about him to check out the kids all lined out in their neatest clothes. Joseph was spotted in the ceiling.


    He crawled away from the hole as the man pointed up at him. His breaths quickened by the abrupt surprise. He crept into the mistress¡¯s closet when her door creaked open. Long pointy boots thumped the wooden floorboards.


    She opened her closet, ¡°Here you are you little freak!¡±


    She dragged him out by the ear and shoved him to the floor. He bruised his knee and slowly moved to the posters on the wall. He knew what wasing next. She would have him locked in a box after having to endure a long spank.


    ¡°You think Master Marion woulde here for a little squirm like you?¡± she scowled stabbing her finger on his forehead.


    ¡°Indeed I will,¡± a brazen tone said by the door.


    The mister stepped back. She held her hand behind her back and rescinded to her closet.


    ¡°I-I thought you left Sir?¡± she agitated clinging to the drawer of her closet.


    ¡°I will have this boy leave with me this instance,¡± Mr. Marion demanded.


    Joe had his hopes restored. The first time in his life he wasn¡¯t seen as a freak. He was taken up by the gentleman. The man handed him a in cloth to care for the bruise on his knee.


    The mistress hit her back on the closet, and an old man fell on her face. She pulled it off her face. Joe and Mr. Marion were gone. She ran to the door and kicked over an envelope left on the ground. She turned back to pick it up.


    By the time she unsealed the parcel, the sound of engines started roaring outside the group home. She ran down the steps, stuffing the wad of cash in her deep pockets. She got downstairs and all the kids had their eyes peeled on the ss.


    Outside was Joe, right next to Mr. Marion in the blue Bentley outside on the side of the road. She opened the door of the group to step out, the car drove off leaving a puff of exhaust fume in her face.


    ***EIGHT YEARS LATER***


    Young master Marion dragged the curtains to the side. His face was bright and yellow like the sun. He went out on the balcony. His father was down in the courtyard talking with a beta. Older master Marion looked up at him and whistled.


    ¡°Come down here boy. I want to show you something.¡±


    ¡°Yes father, I will be right down.¡±


    Xander rushed down the steps. His heart was joyful. He had been inside all day. And all he wanted was to be of use to his father. This could be his moment to engage with the other wolves. He opened the door of the Manor. He was stunned watching his father beating down on the beta.


    He hit his head on the fountain. The beta¡¯s blood smeared all over the crevice. Xander was horrified by this gruesome sight. He had seen his father spar with the other wolves but this was brutal to watch. The beta was weak on the ground. Older master Marionid a foot over the beta¡¯s chest and looked over at Xander.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± James stomped on the beta. ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°What is going on father?¡± Xander ambled to his father¡¯s side.


    James took Xander by the hand and gave him a switchde, ¡°You havee of age,¡± James narrowed his eyes at his son. ¡°This is the time to continue as the man you were meant to be-a wolf.¡±


    The beta breathed slowly on the ground in pain. Xander was scared. He wasn¡¯t a little kid anymore. He knew what his father wanted him to do. He grasped the switchde and kneeled on the beta¡¯s chest. He looked into the sorrow of the young man who always ran errands for his father. A close mentor of his.


    ¡°I am sorry Henry,¡± Xander muttered.


    He plunged the knife into the beta¡¯s chest. James backed away slowly as the beta took hisst breath. Xander rose to his feet and stood over Henry¡¯s body. His eyes were darkened. He had done this and was promised a blessing.


    ¡°You have finally embraced your destiny young one,¡± James held an arm above Xander¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°What does this mean father?¡± Xander inhaled sharply dropping the switchde to the ground.


    ¡°A werewolf was born today,¡± his father breathed into his ear.


    If this was the path to his destiny, he despised it so much. His fate was decided without a cause. James wanted Xander to carry on his legacy. Not by blood but by loyalty. Xander didn¡¯t want to be a werewolf this way. His heart ached. His arms trembled. He stuck his hands into his side pockets. It would be a shame if his father saw his weakness and remorse.


    ***FEW NIGHTS AGO***


    On the night of the full moon. His father led him into the woods. The manor had just celebrated the young master¡¯s 18th birthday at midday. The young Marion was exposed to the life of the wolves since the first night his father brought him over. The manor was the biggest building he¡¯d ever seen.


    He ate the most he¡¯d eaten in a week back at the group home. He was tucked in tight with a kiss on his cheeks by the maiden-Maria. He slept like a newborn. His eyes burst wide open and his ears were red up by the howling of the wolves.


    He rushed to the window and watched the most incredible thing. He saw his father walk like a human on his two legs, and go down to his knees, shape-shifting into a seven-foot-long wolf. His father leaped over the fountain and ran fast into the fields. At the time, he had note to the knowledge of Alpha¡¯s transforming at will.


    Back to the night of his birthday. The Alpha pack was locked down in the basement. Xander was curious about what was going on. He had nevere to light of the moon curse. The turning. The long-suffering of the wolves once every month in the full moon.


    His father just kept walking. He darted his eyes forward. Deeper and deeper into the trees. James stopped by a tree and held his hand against a bark. Xander was concerned and inched forward to check on his father.


    ¡°Stay back!¡± James grunted, lowering to the ground.


    ¡°Father¡­ I am going to get help,¡± Xander panted.


    ¡°You are not going anywhere boy,¡± James snapped.


    He noticed the glimmer in his father¡¯s eyes. His instinct was to run back to the gates of the Manor. His heartbeats were fast and rampant.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand father,¡± Xander breathed heavily. ¡°What is going on?¡±


    His father pointed in the opposite direction of the manor gates, ¡°Run where I point,¡± he groaned. ¡®If you go back to the gates, I will strike you down and kill you on the spot. Now run!¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Xander¡¯s body made a fast reaction into the thick forest. It was dark and impervious. The clothes on his arms and legs were ripped by the thorns. He heard growling behind him. Fats pace in this endangered race.


    He felt paws on his back pushing him to the ground. His back hurt. Like a heavy load on him, a werewolf stood over him. Xander cried out when he felt teeth biting into his arm. He passed out due to the immense pain.

 Joseph Fletcher

    ***XANDER MARION***


    He always thought back to the night his father bit him. The anguish he was strung upon. The way his father casually showed up the next morning in his robe to help him up. The older master Marion must have left Xander out here alone in the dark. He never thought to take him inside for shelter and warmth even after the moon curse subsided. He looked into James¡¯s eyes and saw nothing but Self-fulfillment. If James wanted anything in this world, it was to see Xander grow as a wolf.


    ¡°Take my hand, Xander.¡±


    Xander crawled back away from his father on the ground.


    ¡°Get away from me.¡±


    James crouched in from of him and smiled.


    ¡°I see you are not clinging on to your hurting arm.¡±


    Xander still felt the stiffening pain in his left arm. The wound was stung as much as he was displeased with his father. He took up a spike in his left arm and stood up against his father.


    ¡°You are cruel. You are a very cruel man,¡± Xander gnashed his teeth. The pain and courage intertwined. ¡°What kind of father would hurt their child?¡±


    James pushed his palms on his knees and jolted upright with a sigh.


    ¡°You have confidence, I¡¯ll give you that¡±, James had his arms akimbo. ¡°But what do you want to do, poke me with a stick to death?¡±


    Xander tossed the stick in the bushes and held on to his wounded arm.


    ¡°Just let me go. I don¡¯t want to live your legacy or carry your name,¡± Xander shook his head and inched forward. ¡°I am Joseph Fletcher. Xander Marion is an obsessive fixation of yours. Go fetch yourself another boy,¡± Xander spat on the ground with disdain and turned away.


    ¡°Not so fast boy,¡± James mored his fists.


    ¡°What do you want old man?¡±


    Xander looked back and was met with a grip on his neck. James pushed him up against a tree. Choking the young man for his wayward contempt. James never took things lightly. He sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to let Xander walk all over him.


    ¡°You think you can just walk away from the life I have chosen¡­ for you,¡± James forehead creased. His arms were veiny and muscled. ¡°I gave you meaning boy.¡±


    Xander could not fight it. No matter how hard he tried to hit away Master Marion¡¯s grip, it was futile. He saw the vicious look in James¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please I¡¯m sorry.¡± Xander wheezed.


    ¡°Sorry won¡¯t cut it,¡± James¡¯ tightened his grip. Xander¡¯s head was breaking the tree bark. ¡°I guess we are going to do this the hard way.¡±


    Xander lost consciousness. James let him drop t to the ground. James lowered and pulled Xander by the head. Xander¡¯s neck was bruised and reddened.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to believe, you will have to be convinced,¡± James ced his palms on Xander¡¯s temple.


    In the mind of the young Marion. The memories of staying at the group home were plucked out, one by one. The faces of Maurice, the mistress, and all the other kids. The coffee shop crumbled into dust. The ss window shattered and the shards faded into thin air.


    He was ten years old again. The name ¡®Joseph Fletcher¡¯ was a myth. He was in a room with luxurious furniture. A firece down by the end. A painting of a burning man was hung up, above it. The room beheld intriguing antics, a fragrance of whiskey by the bar, and perfumed leather.


    The man in the voguish cut suit and the high-ss Oxford shoes was his father. He sat on the couch legs crossed, with a smoking pipe in his hand. The young boy ran to him. He clung on to his father and never let go. The maiden came to entice him with delicious crusty treats and creamy delights.


    He looked up to the woman and left his father. She was like a nurturing mother. She smelled of sweet jellyfort. Belly rubbed before he went to bed. She told him stories andter on he read her stories. She was sick on her bed, and he was a straightened young man.


    He gave her a kiss on her forehead. She closed her eyes and let out a soft breath. He resumed with his father. They hunted down animals in the woods. He could go on for days hunting. He was strong and had a will. His father never praised him for his aplishments, so he did more and pushed himself to the edge.


    His father was feared and respected among others. The same mannerism was given to him. He was always a step behind his father. When they faced off the pale-skinned creatures. They were very fast on their feet, they barely made footsteps. Their fangs were not to be missed. Xander conquered. He had a great feat in foes alike and foes of another kind.


    His father had grown old in the flesh but not the mind. He was more arrogant and had no care in him. The witches were cast away. James sought a massacre. This led quite a few to resent James Marion. He made enemies everywhere he went. Xander still loved his father. Tough love at that. His father was second most trusted, after Henry, Drew. Drew took the mantle after Henry¡¯s demise that Xander could not bring himself to remember.


    Drew was like an older brother. All were married and well till James was stabbed in the back. Drew was seen as an assant in thepromise. He disappeared into the night with a few others. The ratchet w. They were loyal to a witch. Mayfair.


    Xander stepped up as the Alpha. He had used two decades of his life in servitude. The time hade to proim his destiny. He took the Alpha pack by the reins and wiped the misdeeds of his father. He made peace with other factions of werewolves. He got a few of the witches back into themunity. A few of the wolves opposed but Xander was more convincing.


    Half a decade had passed and the Alpha was stronger than ever. He had built up his ranks. Betas and Deltas in numbers, loyal to him. Drew returned and was epted into themunity. Xander held grudges but not to heart. For the better life of the pack, he let his mind not waver in revenge.


    Drew had a pack of his own, the Omega Pack. They were unusual and not quick on taking heed to orders of the council. Drew thought to offer up his daughter. Other Alphas took no interest in Dahlia. She was then mated with Xander.


    Xander came down the stairs. Drew leaned at the stairwell.


    ¡°You wanted to see me, why?¡± Xander stood by the balustrade.


    Drew leaned off the stairwell. He pranced to the living room sofa and made himselffortable.


    ¡°All my life¡­ I wanted to be like your father,¡± Drew rubbed his chin. ¡°You gave me the honor of watching him lead all over again. I see his prowess flowing through you.¡±


    ¡°I am nothing like my father,¡± Xander frowned making thest few steps to the floorboards. ¡°State your business, Drew,¡± Xander pressed his hands on the back of a sofa Drew sat on.


    ¡°Hear me out Xander,¡± Drew conceded with his palms over his head and turned to his feet. ¡°In lieu of Henry. May his soul rest in peace,¡± Drew ced his arms over his chest. ¡°He was your father¡¯s first beta. And I can be yours, in the absence of a wolf yet to be held. My daughter-


    Xander walked around the sofa to face Drew, ¡°How dare youe here making demands,¡± Xander grimaced. ¡°Do not provoke my intentions. I have made peace with you but still see you from a distance. Trust cannot so easily be regained.¡±


    ¡°I understand you Xander, but-


    Xander confronted, ¡°What?! What is it you want from me, Drew?!¡±


    Drew stepped back with a lopsided smile, I thought you might say that. The thing is, it¡¯s not what I want. It¡¯s what they want,¡± he brought a letter. ¡°This was from the elders. The council atrge. You see I have made myself ountable for my actions in the past. It was rash and going against your father¡¯s wishes was what needed to be done. The man was going make Xander,¡± Drew inched forward with a palm of appeal.


    Xander crossed his arms over his chest and red at Drew with a smug on his face, ¡°I personally wish you had died by my father¡¯s hands. Whether or not he was fighting a good cause or a bad one.¡± Xander smacked his lips, ¡°I just want you to know that.¡±


    Drew handed Xander the letter. The grey wolf emblem made it clear as an official letter. Xander refused to take it from him. The Alpha just stared at him with utter disdain. He took pride in his stance. Drew carefully ced the letter on the sofa.


    ¡°I really want us to be on good terms Xander. I am always around if you need me,¡± he tried to pat the Alpha on the shoulder. Xander stiffened. The omega pack Alpha withdrew his hand and took his leave.


    Xander took the letter from the sofa as soon as Drew stepped out. He ripped the seal off in a jiffy and opened his wide to read.


    Xander dropped down to the couch to sit. He was tensed by the contents of the letter.


    He palmed his forehead, ¡°What the hell is this?¡±


    ¡­And if the Alpha refuses to have Drew as his first beta, then he must take Dahlia the daughter of Drew as hiswful mate. This has been mandated by the Council of Elders¡­N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 Death of her parents

    ***ELIZABETH BROWN***


    The taste of the moonshine. The dancing in the starlight. The two sisters were blissful on thewn. Their parents would have sent them in to not catch a cold. To get warm under their princess nkets. They werewless and free.


    Julian, 15, and a lover of nature. She sat on the grass when her feet hurt. She didn¡¯t do the roundabouts anymore; spinning on one foot. The earth looks wavy and takes you into a whirl. Catherine, 12 loved nobody more than her sister. She was always eager to leave school to have fun with her sister. Julian always took her to the grocery store on weekends. She¡¯s got all the licorice she wanted.


    A dog hit the ran across thewn from the neighbors


    ¡°Catherine, the sprinklers got turned on,¡± Julian had the widest smile on her face.


    ¡°This will make up for rain,¡± Catherine dragged her sister by the hand.


    They rolled on the ground. The water dripped onto their faces and wet their clothes. They didn¡¯t care. This was one of those night. Their parents were away. Just likest night, and the night before.


    ¡°Your hair is pretty when it¡¯s wet,¡± Julian pinned her elbow next to her sis and rested her chin on her palm. She admired her sister¡¯s sleek hair. ¡°And the most of all¡­ the effect when it tends to dry,¡± she pulled a lock of her sister¡¯s hair.


    ¡°The sprinkler stopped,¡± Catherine sat up with her arms folded on her chest.


    Julian shifted to her side and squeezed the water out of her hair, ¡°Well¡­ we still have tomorrow night.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I know,¡± Catherine rubbed her eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Julian let her sister¡¯s hair drop and rubbed her hand against her back. ¡°Why the sad face?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been days Julian,¡± Catherine looked at her sister and took her hand. ¡°When are theying back?¡±


    Julian¡¯s eyes dropped. She looked back at her sister and smiled, ¡°Soon Catherine. Soon baby sister.¡±


    ¡°You said they went on a trip¡­ I don¡¯t think so,¡± Catherine got up and ran to sit by the steps of the porch. ¡°I think you are lying,¡± Catherine nagged.


    Julian had no words for her sister. She kept the fantasy for 72 hours straight. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to tell Catherine the truth. Catherine was a few years younger and wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the grief. Their parents died a few days ago in a car crash.


    Right down their street block. It was in the middle of the night. Julian picked up her phone when a neighbor rang. Catherine was fast asleep on the upper bank. They had their tummy filled with tater tots for dinner. She crept out the door without waking Catherine up.


    Julian ran outside the door. She saw the smoke burning from the car down the block. She fell to her knees. She crawled to the street crying. She sped her palms over her mouth. Hot tears rained down on her cheeks.


    Their young female neighbor came to her side. She gently raised her from the ground. Julian fell back down. That night, Julian was taken to the station to file a death report. All this happened while Catherine was in her dreams.


    They had missed school the next few days. They had no other rtives. They were in a small town with not many people who cared for one another. Her neighbor, Susan always came by bringing food. She provided the basic things for them.


    The youngdy would have taken custody of the two under-aged kids. She was just a substitute teacher at a local high school. Right where Julian enrolled. Catherine attended a middle school not far from home. Julian always took the bus with Susan.


    Susan had problems of her own. She was behind her mortgage likewise the essential bills. With the little she had she shared with the girls. Her dog ran away one night. It got run over the next morning. She covered for the girls when the social services came by unannounced with their big suits and big suitcases.


    Catherine went inside that night of the moonshine. Julian was short of words to her little sister. Speechless even. They slept without having dinner that night. For some reason, they hadn¡¯t heard from Susan since noonday. She dropped a basket of fruits, juices, and cookies at their door.


    The next morning, the police showed up at Susan¡¯s house. The girls peeped out their room window and were scared. Julian overheard one policeman mention she died of suicide. Julian was heartbroken. She was petrified. She was literally thest person in their lives.


    ***FIVE YEARS LATER***


    Julian was pulling shifts at a convenience store to help with her college fees. She was sponsored in her freshman year by a phnthropist. In her sophomore year, Elli¡¯s parents put her through school. She insisted she wanted to be independent and fend for herself. She always thought asking for help was more of a burden to someone.


    Catherine was adopted by a suburban family on the East Coast. Julian always ended up with different families throughout high school. When she turned eighteen she had started working her way through the hardships of life. She visited Catherine in New York; on Easter and Winter breaks. Those were the times she was free and able to book an economy flight.


    In her GEDs, she had very good test scores but didn¡¯t see college as a good fit for her. She managed a thrift store for an elderly woman, Mrs. Wilbur, after high school. A regr client of Mrs. Wilbur was keen on Julian going to college and not about to waste away her final four years of academia.


    Mrs. Wilbur took the first few months studying Julian¡¯s will and character. She finally decided to sponsor the young girl¡¯s first year in college. Julian felt indebted to the olddy. She tried saving up to pay back but the olddy often refused and warned Julian not to ever take a kind offer for granted. At the end of her first year, Mrs. Wilbur passed away due to lung cancer. Julian¡¯s emotions were shattered.


    The Browns, Catherine¡¯s parents were kind of heart and were open to Julian. Catherine was always intent on telling Julian what her high-school perks were like. Julian thought of Catherine as a misfit when they were younger. Catherine was ADHD, she feared she would have a tough time in high school. It turned out quite different for Catherine. She was pretty and popr.


    The Browns were d to get Catherine through her first year in college when Julian was a junior. A sudden tragedy struck on campus when aboratory caught fire. Catherine was in the building when it happened. She suffered intense burns. She died before getting treatment in the hospital.


    Julian was at the point of taking her own life. She was tired of it all; people dying in her life. She stood on top of a bridge ready to make a jump. A beautiful woman with silky grey hair appeared next to her.


    ¡°It is quite sad isn¡¯t it?¡± the woman looked down.


    ¡°You are not going to talk me out of it?¡± Julian¡¯s legs were shaking.


    ¡°Why would I?¡± The woman cocked her head. ¡°It is your fate.¡±


    ¡°Well I guess my fate sucks,¡± Julian inhaled deeply. Which much thought. She remembered the night of the moonshine. She leaped back down to the concrete of the highway. ¡°You should have just left me alone to die,¡± Julian palmed her sad face.


    ¡°Like I said¡­ it is your fate,¡± thedy rested her arms on the horizontal bar on the bridge. She turned to give Julian a smile, ¡°I am Mayfair.¡±


    ¡°I am Jul-Catherine, came to be Elizabeth,¡± Julian smiled back.


    Mayfair raised her brows and folded her arms around her, ¡°Nice to meet you JulCatherine.¡±


    Julianughed, ¡°No it¡¯s¡­ never mind.¡¯


    She walked up to the Mayfair to give her a hug, ¡°Thank you for showing up when you did. I could have actually jumped,¡± Julian unconsciously sniffed the beautiful woman¡¯s crochet sweater.


    ¡°You like the smell?¡± Mayfair slowly pulled back.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes. It is familiar,¡± Julian palmed her neck. ¡°It smells like home.¡±


    ¡°Yes it does,¡± Mayfair nodded.


    Julian stared observantly at Mayfair. She looked so much like her mother. She just had crystal clear eyes, but her mother¡¯s eyes were blue like the sky of summer. She had the exact same sweater as her mother on the night of her death. She handpicked it for her mother that night. Julian knew this too well because she had crocheted that sweater all through that week for her mom.


    It was sky blue on the left arm. The right arm was deep oceanic blue. The chest was the two colors intertwined with white, the same as the back of the sweater, which had a little writing.


    She went behind Mayfair. Thedy stood still with an eerie smile on her face not altered.


    Catherine and Julian love you.


    It was just like yesterday. Julian was shaken with fear and happiness in one feeling. Her heart was beating fast. Tears rolled down Julian¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What is happening?¡±


    ¡°Rx my darling. I am here now.¡±


    ¡°Mom?¡±


    Mayfair reached for an embrace, and Julian took off to her heels. She didn¡¯t look back once. She had thought she was seeing things.


    As she progressed in life. She took on a new name. Started a new college program. She lived for her sister. Catherine. A beautiful sight. Sleek long ck hair and a smile that warms the heart for days.

 Blue blood

    ***ABIGAIL MEADE***


    In the lightened room. Candles on top of the dresser. The mistress who had them shut the lights, the blinds, and every opening revealed direct sunlight. She wanted the zing red hot heat. Fire. She was all alone in her room going through her lines for dinner.


    In the great house Meade. We are honored as the longest generation of werewolves. We have the greatest strengths, wits, and superiority of the mind. We birthed prodigious packs. We grew loyal packs. We are the dominant in these parts. Themunity has no hold on us because we are the pirs of themunity. Lunas and Alphas let us have a wonderful evening to feast. And cherish the nitty gritty and the grandiose.


    ¡°That¡¯s just about right,¡± she smiled into her mirror.


    She was the perfect daughter. The perfect sister. She wasn¡¯t the youngest nor the oldest, but was the most promising child of the three. Although her parents pressured her at a very young age. She had started hunting at age 11. She led her first mission at 15. She came back with a head of blue blood.


    Tonight was the night of the big announcement. Everyone was seated across the long plywood table her father made with his bare hands. Neatly grazed and perfectly polished. The family housed many guests. The important guests were seated in the main hall. Right outside was the gathering of the least nobles.


    The walls with golden streaks. Hunting weapons were cased on the walls; spear guns for hunting wild boars and bears, harpoons for the time the family sets on the oceans tracking ferocious sharks, and for directbat if they weren¡¯t to wolf out just yet, knives of different shapes and sizes, they glimmered at the pointy ends.


    The other side of the room had portraits and bust paintings of antecedents in the great house of Meade. Their ancestors had fiery red hair. They were all known for their unique senses. Unlike other werewolves, the Meade¡¯s had the sharpest hearing and keenest scenting, and their eagle-eye vision.


    The chandelier that dropped from the ceiling was a sight that so fascinating, the dangling sides were embroidered with diamonds that sparkled in the eyes of the viewer. It was a beautiful holding. She was at the stairs. Her hands glided down the silver railings and walked down the marbled steps.


    She came into the hall in her scarlet feathered dress. She was like a dazzling phoenix. Her red hair curled down her shoulders. It was held curved like a bob around the edges. All eyes were on her. She saw everyone glimmer in their glistening silver and gold apparel alike.


    Marianne, her younger sister despised her. They were both red-haired beauties but we know the most conspicuous and highly favored.


    ¡°We have been awaiting your arrival, Abigail,¡± her mother raised a ss of sparkling wine.


    She walked majestically to the seat reserved for her. She was right in between her mother and her father. The Lord and Dame of the great house Meade.


    She whispered into her mother¡¯s ear as she bent to sit, ¡°It is Faye now, Mother. Abigail is not me anymore.¡±


    Audrey leaned back in her chair, ¡°I guess it skipped my mind, but Abigail is Abigail to me.¡±


    Her brother, Alfred who sat opposite her was always a knot in her fur. He drummed his fingers on the table, ¡°Would you like to make that loud and clear to us?¡± he sipped from the ss, rolling his eyes down at her.


    Marianne giggled and steeple her fingers on the edge of her silver tter.


    Faye gave them both an irritated look. They were sore in her eyes. She wanted to scourge their belligerence. Her ss and her modesty restrained her. And besides she wouldn¡¯t want to cause a blood spill on the powdered faces of the guests.


    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± Alvin stood up and held his wife¡¯s are on the table, ¡°We will be deciding our sessor now, but first our daughter would like to say few words.¡± He smirked at Faye.


    Faye spaced out gleaning at her brother. She held her ss tightly, it made a crooked line crack when her mother rubbed her gently.


    She rose from her seat, she made a slight bow of courtesy to her father. Alvin sat down and returned to his meal. She cleared her throat and poised her arms around her waist.


    ¡°In the great house Meade. We are honored as the longest generation of werewolves. We have the greatest strengths, wits, and superiority of the mind. We birthed prodigious packs. We grew loyal packs. We¡­¡±


    Alfred kicked back on his chair causing a distortion. The sound settled and all eyes turned to Faye. Their father paid no attention, he was more concerned about slicing through the stake on his te.


    ¡°¡­We are the dominant in these parts. Themunity has no hold on us because we are the pirs of themunity. Lunas and Alphas let us have a wonderful evening to feast. And cherish the nitty gritty and the grandiose.¡±


    In aud of cheers and gestures, everyone was waiting to hear the final say from her father. Faye sat disappointed in herself. The house didn¡¯t take her in the regard she had expected. Her father requested everyone move outside to the garden when they were done with their feast.


    Alfred and Marianne left the table. They had been exiting gatherings at the same times like this, which was no surprise to Faye. Faye was the only true descendant of Alvin and Audrey.


    Alvin was the first child, born of another mother. A witch from a shadowndmunity. They dwelled in the mountains. Alvin stormed there in his youthful years. This was the biggest secret of the great house. The Meade had a strong hate for witches. They were one of the first to go join James Marion¡¯s envoy in the demolition of witchcraft.


    Marianne was a child of one of the stewards. Alvin was an outgoing Alpha, but all the more wayward. He had been meddling with maidens which his wife knew well of. She had no courage to confront his unfaithful trope. She had endured quite the abuse during the birth of Abigail.


    Audrey was once a human. She was bitten by Alvin himself one movie night, outside a car park in the human world. She was presumptuous at first, but as time went by she knew there was no she had nothing to give but a concession to Alpha Meade. The man had all his was infatuated with having red-haired conquests. It was more of a kinky, not that his wife was a different color. He was just impetuous.


    In the advent of secret rooms and sacred quarters, Alfred and Marianne were indulged in incestuous acts. Faye would stumble into their debaucheryte at night when she enters into attic. She would often go there to relieve her stress, leaving the hung punching bag clinging to one line of string. Her siblings cuddling their sublime bodies on the foot mats.


    They were startled by the first time she caught them. They feared she might inform their parents, legitimate father, and illegitimate mother. They were frightened by being scolded with wed fists by their father or worse. They tried sabotaging Faye on a mission. They journeyed the mountains. The three alone are on the edge of the escape. Marianne didn¡¯t have the boldness, Alfred took action and pushed Faye down the great height. Plummeting straight to the penins.


    They went home with a fake story. They imed their sister slumped to a sordid mncholic death. Alvin faced his children in his quarters. He sat upright on the bed, Audrey was not moved by the news her stepchildren had brought about her only daughter.


    She rose from Alvin¡¯s side and sat by the drawer, ¡°I believe my daughter will return,¡± she said confidently. ¡°Abigail¡¯s death¡­ so soon? It is a hoax,¡± She scoffed. She took the tablemp and strutted to the balcony.


    ¡°Let me hear what happened again,¡± Alvin lowered his feet to the carpet and crossed his legs. He stared into their eyes. Alvin couldn¡¯t look directly at his father¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°We had problems seeing the edge of the mountain. If was foggy and steep,¡± Alfred sped his hands behind him and lowered his head to his father. ¡°She was right next to us, and before we knew it we heard her screams descending to her death.¡±


    ¡°By the time we got to the ground, we didn¡¯t find her body on the penins,¡± Marianne raised her chin and leaned off the wall. ¡°She fought strong against the rogues¡­ but her mind was not in the right ce when we had imed victory. She just kept walking down to the-


    ¡°Faye!¡± Audrey shrieked on the balcony. ¡°What made you stay outte youngdy?¡±


    Faye¡¯s voice was heard in the garden, ¡°I had a fall. You know¡­ a minor slip-up. And now I¡¯m back Mom.¡±


    Alvin rushed out to see. Marianne just waited in the room and watched her fatherugh into his palms.


    ¡°What amuses you father?¡± her face paled.


    ¡°You kids should not disturb my sleep with any of this farce,¡± heid back on his bed and covered himself with the sheets.


    Marianne was distorted by the Alfred rushed back into the room, ¡°Faye is alive,¡± his eyes widened.


    The same look he gave at the dinner. He and Marianne were leaving when he waited to give her a head-start. Faye left her seat when he wasn¡¯t looking. He was too busy being a pretty boy to the young female guests. They blushed every time he smiled at them. Alfred was a handsome devil in their eyes.


    He went to the attic and met his sister¡¯s dead body hung on the hook of the punching bag. She had been beaten up so badly, that all her teeth were scattered on the ground. Plucked out even.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± he breathed heavily. He had confirmed she was dead. He heard a stter of a mushy substance drop behind him. He turned back to see Faye. He hadn¡¯t thought to react when she lunged a hunting knife into his heart.


    Why Faye?


    You don¡¯t need a reason to die Alfred.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    He looked down to the ground to see a ripped-out heart. It was obviously Marianne¡¯s, he thought. Faye¡¯s bloody grip pushed further into his chest. He dropped dead to the ground.


    She left her house that night. Unnoticed and never to return again. She had her brother¡¯s and sister¡¯s blood in her hands. Her feelings were dead inside from that moment on. She washed her hands in the rain. She had walked miles in the night.


    She attacked a driver and took his car. She drove till the fuel ran out. Her final stop was at the blue and gold paintings on a tall ck gate. A manor that held the name Marion.

 Take cover

    ***PRIVATE CHAPLIN***


    Missiles fired in the air. The soldiers took in smoky and harsh breaths. This was the second deployment for Private Chaplin. He applied pressure on hisrade¡¯s bleeding torso. Heavy shots were taken by his fellow squad members over the sand heap barrier.


    He tapped his cheeks incessantly, ¡°Stay with me Amez.¡±


    ¡°I am going die man,¡± Amez whimpered with a light note of anguish and pain.


    ¡°Put the cloth on the wound Hugo,¡± Chaplin turned to the quivering private who had his cap on sideways. The private hurriedly went down to his knees. ¡°And don¡¯t let go of him,¡± Chaplin pulled away.


    ¡°It is toote for me now, tell Isab I love her and our unborn child,¡± Amez groaned pulling out a ck and white photo of a young woman with a rose in her hair.


    Chaplin grabbed the picture and held it in Amez¡¯s hand, ¡°You are going to tell her yourself. A mile from here and we¡¯ll reach our outpost.¡±


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Another soldier joined them on the ground. ¡°For all we know they might be dead. We are all we¡¯ve got now.¡±


    ¡°They are our stronghold,¡± Chaplin grinned. ¡°They can¡¯t be taken down so easily. We have to move. And we have to move now.¡±


    Amez¡¯s eyes began to close slowly. ¡°We are losing him,¡± Hugo hesitated.


    Chaplin raised his head to the surface and took Amez by the arm, ¡°We are getting to the outpost. We are getting there. You are getting there, you hear me, soldier?¡±


    ¡°I hear you,¡± Amez groaned and released the picture in Chaplin¡¯s grip.


    He stuffed the picture in his chest pocket, ¡°Just know¡­ you are going to take it back from me when I get you to health care at the outpost-


    The second private next to Chaplin was shot straight in the head by an assant. The assant steadied his rifle standing on top of the heap, pointing his trigger at them.


    ¡°Take cover,¡± Hugo left Amez¡¯s side and rolled away to the ground.


    Chaplin pulled the assant by the boots. He fired a few shots that missed the private as he slipped into their ditch. Chaplin struggled with the assant on the ground. Thetter swatted Chaplin¡¯s face with the back of his rifle.


    The private was down in the dirt. The assant was ready to make another shot. Out of nowhere, he had summed the courage. Hugo stuck a knife in the side of the assant¡¯s neck. He pulled it out and let the assant fall to the ground like an Easter turkey.


    ¡°Are you good,¡± Hugo strapped his knife back in his holster. ¡°He hit you pretty bad across the face there Chaplin,¡± he gave Chaplin a hand.


    Chaplin took his hand and rose to his feet. Quickly, he turned to check on Amez. The wounded private suffered three bullet shots in his face. The assant¡¯s shots were on target to Amez lying low and not to Chaplin.


    Chaplin sniffled. The dirt and blood from the rifle jack made his face look like a smudged pie. He lowered and took off Amez¡¯s chain. Amez¡¯s death was a dreadful pain to Chaplin¡¯s militant heart. He couldn¡¯t look away from the bullet holes in hisrade¡¯s face. He balled his fists. The thought of him having betrayed a man that was his closest, since their first day as cadets.


    The smoky air had dispersed. The grounds were no longer shaking. Hugo looked up to the surface. A pile of bodiesid to waste. He ced his palm on the soil, the rumbling of the convoy was approaching.


    ¡°We are good,¡± Hugo smiled. ¡°I guess the outpost came to us. Well that¡¯s a relief am I-¡±


    Hugo turned back to pause at the casualty.


    ¡°I told him we¡¯d get him to the outpost,¡± Chaplin inhaled sharply.


    ¡°People die. That¡¯s war, life and death. Denzel never believed,¡± Hugo took off the other private¡¯s chain. ¡°He never believed any of us could make it out alive. Amez on the other hand, fought hard at first, but¡­¡± he shook his head.


    ¡°I hate to break the news to Isab,¡± he nced at Hugo. ¡°I promised I¡¯d bring him back in one piece. He promised the same thing to my folks. I didn¡¯t hold up the end of the bargain.¡±


    ¡°It is what it is my friend,¡± Hugo took off his cap.


    A re lit up in the sky. The Privates crawled there out of the ditch. They were met with the rest of the convoy. They were the battalion at the stronghold. The medics rushed to them with their kits wobbling in their grip.


    Chaplin left the army. At home, he now worked at the seaport. He loaded shipments off at the docks. It wasn¡¯t the life, but never imagined letting someone put their trust in his hands again. He took loyalty to heart once. He knew he¡¯d regret doing it again. He went with the regr boring life.


    He earned minimum wage. He waspensated greatly by the army for his service. He dedicated that money to the Rodriguez family far away in Brazil. The family wasn¡¯t recognized as Amez¡¯s rtives. The private was not in contact with them but always told Chaplin all about them.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Isab was distraught by the hearing of her lover¡¯s death. She was pregnant with a child. Chaplin supported her for the first weeks when he got back. She delivered her baby, and he was the godfather at the baby shower.


    He recalled thest conversation he had with her. They sat on a stretcher in the backyard of her family¡¯s house. The day was bright and glowing to the skin. Her baby was sleeping soundly in a cradle on the porch away from the sunlight.


    ¡°You were all ever talked about at the base,¡± he looked over to the right. ¡°And him too.¡±


    ¡°He always wanted a boy,¡± Isab chuckled softly. ¡°Angel, was if we ever had a girl or boy. He chose just right.¡±


    ¡°Amez would have been a great father,¡± Chaplin cleared his throat. ¡°Just know I am here If you need me for anything. Absolutely anything, I am here for you and Angel.¡±


    She stared at the wooden fence with a stern, ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°I feel bad Isab. Really bad,¡± he nced at her glowing brown skin.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the answer Jackson,¡± she crossed her hands under her chest.


    He was shocked to hear her call his first name. He got anxious and rubbed his palms, ¡°What do you-what do you mean?¡±


    She locked her fingers. ¡°Just tell me how you were breaking your friend¡¯s trust?¡± she looked at him and took off her shades.


    Chaplin sat upright and ced a palm on her hand, ¡®I understand your grief.¡±


    She raised a brow and pulled her hand from him, ¡°No you don¡¯t.¡± She shook her head inplexity, ¡°In fact you understand nothing. You gave me your word. You gave him your word!¡± she rose to her feet.


    He stood up and proceeded to caution her, ¡°Isab please calm down.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking tell me to calm down,¡± she pushed him back. ¡°For months I tried to convince myself you were not in the wrong. You gave him this whole fucking speech about fighting for his country. You forced this on him goddammit.¡±


    An old woman opened the door out back, ¡°What¡¯s all the fuss Mia?¡± she opened out her palms drooping.


    ¡°It will be over soon mama,¡± Isab pointed angrily. ¡°You are not a man, let alone a good one. If you were a man, you would have gone to fight the war by yourself. Enlisting by yourself, and not groping him into your bullshit.¡±


    Angel started to cry in his cradle. Isab¡¯s mother hurried to carry him out of the cradle carefully. She patted him gently on the back.


    She turned to Isab, ¡°Now look what you did.¡±


    She held him steadily on her bust and went inside.


    ¡°I am not a good person, yes. I made promises I couldn¡¯t fulfill, yes,¡± he inched forward. ¡°Will I regret it for the rest of my life, of course I will. Isab let me make amends with you if I can¡¯t with him.¡±


    ¡°Get away from me,¡± she scowled. ¡°You got my baby¡¯s father killed,¡± her voice started breaking. ¡°You are a very terrible person. A very bad friend.¡± She started hitting Chaplin on his chest, It should have been you, not him. It should have been you.¡± She broke into tears.


    Jackson just stood there and let her deal with it this way. He said nothing till she fell back and wiped her palms over her face.


    ¡°I am sorry Isab.¡±


    ¡°Go away. And don¡¯te back!¡±


    Since the not-so-great moment with Isab. It was clear all his connections to histerade were gone. The only thing he had was just memories. He often thought of him at the seaport. Although Amez had a wife at the time, he and Jackson were a little more close than the other shoulders, and everyone thought them to be.


    It had been Jackson¡¯s secret his whole life; being queer. It did get made known at the seaport one night. The fes were having a beer on the dock. When he came on to a guy who he thought was giving off a vibe, thetter smashed a bottle on Jackson¡¯s head.


    When the others found out that night, they tied him up and dumped him in the water to drown. Jackson had given up on life. And everything he had aplished. The water was turning red around him. He imagined he was bleeding from his head. The bodies came dropping into the water. The fe who had attacked him first was sinking with his throat ripped out.


    Jackson was slowly drowning. He opened his eyes onest time. A man with ck hair and green eyes came swimming down to his rescue. He closed his eyes when they made contact.


    Who is this man?


    Jackson woke up on the sofa. The room was heated andforting. His arm had a bite mark that was aggravating.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± he grunted. ¡°I don¡¯t recall getting bitten by a shark or whatever the hell this is¡­¡±


    The man who saved him came down the steps with a mug, smoky at its surface. The perforated steam. The malted fragrance. It was scintiting.


    ¡°I understand you must be confused right now,¡± the man sat across from him. He looked at the mug and back at Jackson, ¡°Oh you thought this was for you? No, the maid will get you something less hot.¡±


    Jackson nudged, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The man rxed in his chair, ¡°Xander Marion,¡± he put down his mug. ¡°And you are Jackson Chaplin.¡±


    A maid came to offer Jackson a tray. It had the same mug. Less steamy and less aromatic than he¡¯d expected.


    Jackson rose to his feet defensively, ¡°I want to believe you are of help,¡± he held out his hands, ¡°But you don¡¯t just wake up in a handsome stranger¡¯s house with a bite mark on your hand. That¡¯s kinky but it¡¯s not me man. You got the wrong guy.¡±


    ¡°Let me give it to you straight. You are a werewolf,¡± Xander lopsided a smile. ¡°Soon-to-be, at least when you kill someone and finalize. Your body must be feeling weird after I bit you. Well¡­ I save your life and this is what you get in return human.¡± Xander reached for his mug.


    ¡°I see we have got a new one,¡± A red-haired beautifuldy in tight leather pants came to sit on Xander¡¯sp. They kissed passionately. And then she turned to roll her eyes at Jackson. ¡°From today forward, you will be undermand. Beta.¡±


    On the spot, Jackson realized what kind of bite mark was on his arm. The wolf structure disyed on the top of the door gave it away. It was like his arm was on fire.

 Slugger

    ***SHAWN COOPER***


    His father was a man on every poster in the town. A politician. Everyone mourned the day after he got elected. Sherman Cooper shot in the head, in a private art gallery. An event for his first mayoral disposition. His older siblings split the fortune and left him with a bookstore.


    He tried handling the business. A week in he sold it to some best-selling author of the New York Times. That is what you all call yourselves, you published writers. He always caught a good game with the guys at the bar. They¡¯d grab a beer or two. He would leave before it got toote. His watch didn¡¯t work, he only had it on for the shy attraction.


    The bartender cleaned the ss cups with a napkin on a tray. He had a fine touch on the edges. It was so smooth to watch him to it all day, polishing the surface.


    ¡°Hey Johnny, what is the time?¡± Shawn stretched over the counter.


    ¡°It¡¯s just 7:23¡­¡± Johnny picked up Shawn¡¯s used ss and put it on a separate tray.


    ¡°Ah that¡¯s my cue buddy,¡± Shawn stamped a dor on the counter. ¡°I guess I best get going soon?¡± he wore his denim jacket on.


    ¡°Got a ce you ought to be? Johnny gave a cocky wink. ¡°Or a pretty someone you ought to meet?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that to Samantha now, can I?¡± Shawn nced a raise of his thick brows from Johnny to the ponytailed waitress serving drinks on a table down his right. ¡°Me and her still kicking it you know,¡± Shawn teased with a smirked back to Johnny.


    ¡°Boy if you don¡¯t get my daughter¡¯s name out your mouth,¡± he folded the napkin into a bind and threw it at Shawn. Shawn caught it on his chest and tossed it back to the man. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you looking at her like that you bastard,¡± Johnny chuckled softly.


    ¡°Come on now, no disrespect to the delivery boy trying to win her over, but she¡¯s my wife,¡± Shawn pointed to push the man¡¯s buttons. ¡°As for my eyes, they keep looking, as long as they keep clicking wide open my man.¡±


    ¡°I ought to whoop your ass you know that,¡± Johnny turned to the shelf to grab a bottle wrapped in foil. ¡°This is one of my specials,¡± he ced it on the counter.


    ¡°I can stick around to have a taste of that fine wine,¡± Shawn rubbed his palms together. ¡®Ah-ah, I see what¡¯s going on¡­ you feel I am special to you, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°If anything, I feel sorry for your ass. Youe here alone, and leave alone,¡± Johnny peeled the foil off the bottle. ¡°You don¡¯t make friends with the guys, just watch the game and keep to yourself. And thedies¡­ thedies fancy a mtto like yourself, but you don¡¯t look at them much. Just here talking to me all day while I work.¡±


    ¡°I just kind of use this to cope with it, by uh¡­¡± Shawn itched his forehead and dragged the palm down his face. ¡°You know¡­ I don¡¯t know man. Ever since he passed it¡¯s been weird for me man. My two brothers screwed me over, and my mum never picked up since they divorced.¡±


    ¡°Well you can handle your business,¡± Johnny sighed. ¡°Right?¡±


    ¡°Sure man,¡± Shawn rose to his feet. ¡°Let me just have a sip and I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    ¡°You are the man Shawn.¡± Johnny took a clean ss from the tray in front of him and poured him a wine half full. He slid the ss to Shawn¡¯s side of the counter.


    Shawn took it off the table quickly and gulped it down his throat. ¡°Easy there slugger,¡± Johnny cautioned.


    He slowly returned the ss to the counter and turned to see if Samantha was still around. She just went out back. He slid the ss back to Johnny and went down right to the back door after her.


    ¡°See youter then.¡±


    ***


    In the sketchy alley behind the bar. The gravel was moist and had mold in the corners next to the dumpsters. He walked slowly leaving a distance between him and Samantha. She was not in her uniform. She had long blue sleeves and a short ck blouse, skirting her knees.


    She met a tall brood man. Thed had a leather jacket with greasy hair that rescinded just above his shoulders. His eyes were green and moody. He embraced Samantha and they had a long kiss. It was hard for Shawn to watch. He knew perfectly well it was consensual, but he wasn¡¯t just having it tonight.


    ¡°Hey Tommy Hilfiger,¡± Shawn grabbed a nk. A few inches shorter than his arm. He hung it above his shoulders and walked ambly to separate the two lovebirds.


    Samantha disengaged from the young man, ¡°Gimme a minute I¡¯ll take care of him.¡±


    The young man held her back close, ¡°Let me have a chat with him.¡±


    Samantha palmed her face, ¡°No he¡¯s going to see it as a threat.¡± Her arms Akimbo, ¡°You know what? Knock yourself out.¡± She leaned against the wall leading to the street and watched him strut to meet Shawn.


    ¡°I see¡­ you have some words for me boy,¡± Shawn held the nk to his side.


    ¡°How you doing buddy?¡± the young jammed his hands into his pockets.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say I¡¯m in the mood to beat the crap out of a hotshot putting paws on that gal,¡± Shawn pointed the nk to Samantha.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have all day Xander,¡± She shrugged and looked to the other way to the street.


    ¡°I like your jacket,¡± Xander plucked a thread from Shawn¡¯s shoulder and raised it to his face.


    ¡°Real men wear denim,¡± Shawn smacked his hand away from his face. ¡°Only posers wear leather.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Smoothing down his jacket, ¡°Well I don¡¯t want to get blood over yours now, do I?¡± Xander smiled.


    ¡°You want to go at me?¡± Shawn nudged the nk forward, jabbing Xander in the chest.


    ¡°I like your spirit,¡± Xander pushed down the nk. ¡°It¡¯s admirable.¡±


    Shawn swatted the nk at Xander. Thetter was quick to the attack, inching back to receive a wave of air at his face. Shawn was angry he missed. He dropped the nk and came at Xander with a fist, aiming for his chin. Xander caught him by the wrist. Shawn was appalled.


    Xander bit into his wrist. Samantha appeared behind Xander. She hit him in the head with the nk. It broke through his thick head.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she screamed stepping back slowly.


    She knew Shawn longer than she knew Xander. Heck, she had just met himst night when he came to deliver a pack of redbel wine. Shawn was in pain. In that intense unpleasantness, he realized Xander was the delivery boying by to see Samantha. And not coincidentally, they always bumped into each other when he left the bar.


    ¡°Samantha rx,¡± he dragged her close. She struggled with it. He turned her back to him and struck a nted palm hit to her nape. She fell unconscious to the ground. He let go of Shawn.


    ¡°You bastard,¡± Shawn groaned holding his wrist, kneeling on the ground.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we all bastards? At least you and me,¡± Xander crouched to his side. ¡°I could tell you.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Shawn crawled back.


    ¡°Well, your father was not really your father. He had only two sons, you were just some kid left in his care. Didn¡¯t it ur to you that from the color of your skin, you were different? Your brothers weren¡¯t mixed. Everyone was in white except you.¡± Xander gave him a paper. It was a certification of birth. ¡°You were taken away from your true home. With us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking know you, man,¡± Shawn kicked away at Xander. ¡°Somebody help-


    Xander kicked him across the face, ¡°Sorry we have to do this the hard way.¡±


    ***IN THE LIGHT OF A NEW DAY***


    He had awoken from the illusion that friend was like a living dream. The characters in his mind never existed. There was no betrayal from his brother because he had no brothers. His father didn¡¯t die, because he never lived. There was no likeness for Samantha or her bartender father, Johnny. It was all a sick game yed by a witch. Xander managed to get into Shawn¡¯s head and snap him out of it, even if it meant lying again to fit into his story.


    His skin felt rough on the rug. His head was hot and felt like it was burning. He looked up and saw fire over his head. Immediately he drew back from the firece.


    ¡°We had to keep you a few inches from the firece,¡± Xander sat on a couch and ced a cushion on his legs. ¡°You were out cold. Really cold.¡±


    ¡°I had suggested we just tossed you in the fire,¡± Faye said lying on a sofa. She sat uptight and tied her hair in a bun, ¡°We were here all night awaiting your freaking revival.¡±


    ¡°Hell, I thought I was a human for a second,¡± Shawn palmed his neck.


    ¡°You lived here with me your whole life man, there was no way I¡¯d let you get trapped forever in that mindscape.¡± Xander furrowed his brows.


    ¡°The witch is dead by the way,¡± Faye pointed to the firece.


    ¡°You did it?¡± Shawn¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°If you look closely, that¡¯s her head burning in the firece,¡± Faye stretched to her feet. She tied her nket around her waist to cover her shorts, ¡°I think the cold is getting to me.¡± She dragged her feet and walked to the stairs, ¡°Come join me in my quarters Xander.¡±


    ¡°Wee back First Delta,¡± Xander prodded and rose to his feet.

 Do you love me?

    ***DERICK PLUMMER***


    Married straight out of college. He lived in the Bronx with his Eritrean wife, Annie. His degree could only get him a job at the brewery. Annie inherited a candy store from her Aunt. The house was all they had. They weren¡¯t paying rent, thanks to Late Miss Clever. She had built the house years before and willed it in Annie¡¯s name


    Annie¡¯s aunt left her with quite a lot after her death. Though her Aunt wasn¡¯t that wealthy, she endured the benefits she left behind. Annie was sort of the breadwinner of the Plummer Couple. Since Derick wasn¡¯t bringing much from work.


    It had only been a year since they moved in together and married. Derick woulde homete at night with a pack of beer. Always yammering about how unfair it was at the brewery. Annie was often home a few hours earlier. She had time to make dinner in his stead.


    He stomped his muddy boots on the doormat and pulled it off outside. He opened the door and the sweet smell of crispy fries filled his nostrils. The happiness was lightening up his face till the uniform on him reminded him of the shitty day he had.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe my bosses want me to pull extra shifts,¡± he mmed the door shut. ¡°Those ingrates. They don¡¯t realize the amount of work we put in.¡±


    Annie sat at the mini quartet dining table in the kitchen. She heard his raggedy voice. ¡°Wee home to you too honey,¡± she sighed.


    He walked in with the four-by-four beer can pack. He headed straight to the fridge without giving Annie a kiss on her cheek. She had already mounted her chin in her hand elevated on the table. Her cheek turned to the side pale and unkissed.


    ¡°Hey honey,¡± he opened the freezer. He brought out an iced pack and put in the warm pack he brought home. ¡°I see we have got chicken and chips for dinner this night,¡± he closed the fridge. It made a less bang than the door.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you right now,¡± she rubbed her eyes and rose to her feet. Her face was flushed with anger. ¡°You came in here all whiny and brute¡­ and you can¡¯t even-see me okay? I am here.¡± She mmed her fist on the table.


    Derick dropped the chilled beer pack on the counter. ¡°Of course, I see you, baby,¡± he spread out his arms walking to her.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t. You talk about having a bad day, every freaking day. And it¡¯s tiring. Well, guess what?¡± she pped at his face. He dropped his arms to his side. ¡°We all have bad days too. I have bad days,¡± her voice shook and she stepped back pointing at him.


    ¡°I am so stupid baby,¡± he hit his forehead with a palm. ¡°So, so stupid. You are a goddess my dear.¡± He leaned in close with a smile.


    She stood there silent with a grim. He put his arms around her and kissed her cheek to cheek, ¡°You are all that matters to me. I won¡¯t ever make youe second darling,¡± he kissed her forehead and rubbed the back of her head dearly.


    She palmed his cheeks and looked into his eyes, ¡°After dinner, I have to tell you something,¡± he nodded. She pushed her lips against his. He only returned the kiss lightly. Her lips mostly touched his upper lip and his scruffy mustache.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± he pulled back slowly, ¡°¡­let me have a taste of your goodness.¡± She undid her dress and rested her body on him. ¡°I mean the food baby¡­ I am famished.¡± He rubbed her shoulders and turned away to the table.


    She was disappointed. She watched him munch down on his food like he didn¡¯t really mean all he said. All that mattered was what she did for him and not her. It never was her to begin with. ¡°Enjoy,¡± her face was glum.


    She strutted away with her balled fists. Derick was much concerned about the deep-fried wings he bit into. His mouth was full and he got up to tear through the pack of beer. He opened a can, he gulped the mushy meat down his throat. And then chugged down a bottle in a few seconds.


    She leaned by the side of the door, ¡°Derick.¡±


    He was spooked. The empty beer can in my hand dropped and made a little nk on the kitchen tile, ¡°Oh it¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s just you baby.¡±


    ¡°Answer me this, and answer me honestly,¡± she walked to the dining table and pulled away a chair. She sat and clenched her palms on the armrest. ¡°Two questions that will determine where our rtionship goes from here.¡±


    ¡°Slow down baby,¡± he was perplexed. He left the kitchen counter and rushed to squat by her side. ¡°What¡¯s going on? You were just fine a moment ago.¡± His eyes widened at her stern face.


    ¡°Grab a seat Derick,¡± she breathed out.


    He hurriedly sat by a chair next to him and dragged it closer to her, ¡°I am listening baby.¡±


    ¡°Do you love me?¡±


    He raised a brow and tried to hold her palm, ¡°Baby¡­ who else would I love if not you?¡±


    She pulled her hands away and dropped them on her thighs, ¡°You are never straightforward and that sickens me,¡± she inhaled sharply. ¡°I will ask one more time before I go into details Derick,¡± she cracked her knuckles, ¡°Do you-Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°-I love you. I love YOU.¡± He dragged his chair closer to her till his knees butted hers. He felt desperate. Sweat trickled down the side of his face. His palms were shaky holding on to the seat of the chair.


    ¡°You can say that all you want Derick but we both know¡­¡± she lowered her head and palms her face whimpering softly, ¡°¡­It is a lie, Derick. A big fat lie. You never loved me.¡± She raised her head and pushed her palms on his chest. ¡°You just love the idea¡­ the idea that I give you all you need. Yes have a job that is not satisfying but I don¡¯t even know anymore¡­ the guy that loved me in college and this dude a yearter, they are different,¡± she pushed him again. His chair fell back. He met the ground first and rolled away before the wooden heavy chairnded on him.


    He knelt on the ground, ¡°I don¡¯t understand youe on¡­ I loved and supported you. Okay, it is not my fault I have it bad and you have it good, but I never once took it-


    ¡°What time do you close from work?¡± she hovered him.


    ¡°What?¡± he opened his hands sideways in confusion.


    She grabbed his te from the table and threw it at him. He got low to the ground, and the ceramic dish smashed to pieces on the lower drawers by the counter. ¡°The hell Annie?¡± he checked himself for bruises.


    ¡°What time do you close from work?!¡±


    ¡°Seven freaking PM okay.¡±


    She scoffed and turned her back at him, ¡°And then youe home at 9 PM with the breath of someone else.¡± She turned back to him with a scowl.


    ¡°What that the hell?¡± he helped himself to his feet. ¡°You don¡¯t know how long it takes to get on the train at night,¡± he pointed.


    She confronted and pushed him against the counter, ¡°10 minutes. 10 freaking minutes is what it takes Derick. 10!¡±


    ¡°So what? I could get held back by casualties,¡± he crossed his arms around him. He looked away from her. She took him by the jaw, ¡°Look at me you cheating bastard.¡± She stared into his despondence, ¡°I know what you do with other men.¡±


    She jerked away and hissed, ¡°That¡¯s a baseless usatione on.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all you have to say for being a cheater?¡±


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t cheat. Never.¡±


    ¡°Then look at me and say it.¡±


    He turned to look at her, ¡°I-don¡¯t-like-men,¡± he ran his fingers over his head. ¡°There, I said it, you happy now?¡±


    ¡°You are miserable. So miserable and I won¡¯t be around to see it any longer,¡± she turned to the counter and picked a knife from the rack.


    ¡°Hey, hey Annie what are you trying to do?¡± he cautioned and stepped back slowly. ¡°Baby please let¡¯s talk this through.¡±


    ¡°You could have just told me.¡±


    ¡°Told you what, Annie?¡±


    ¡°That you were gay,¡± she dropped the knife on the counter. ¡°Right from the jump, I get it¡¯s hard for you¡­¡± her forehead creased. ¡°But you could have just said something¡­ anything. I would have listened. And what¡¯s that mark on your arm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he sped his hand behind his back.


    She sighed. ¡°Really? Lying, again?¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay¡­ some guy got weird while we were making out. At first, I thought it was fun but it started to hurt. I have been feeling weird ever since.¡±


    ¡°When Derick?¡±


    ¡°It was justst night.¡± He palmed his neck.


    ¡°I was at the store all night,st night. Don¡¯t tell me¡­ please don¡¯t tell me you brought a guy into our home?¡± she groaned.


    He prodded, ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°Derick, the hell? On my bed?¡±


    ¡°You know what¡­ I will leave this night.¡±


    A car honked outside. They both ran to the door. She pushed Eric to the wall opened the door and saw a tall husky man with brown skin and green eyes. He was in a grey round-neck and ck tight pants with ankle-high boots.


    ¡°Hi, I am Jackson.¡±


    ¡°Annie.¡±


    ¡°I am here for Eric¡­ is he-Gosh my manners,¡± Jackson sped his hands behind him. ¡°Good evening Miss¡­ uh, Annie. Is Eric around?¡±


    ¡°Eric?¡± Annie was surprised. She shook her head, ¡°No, there¡¯s no Eric here.¡±


    ¡°I can see his hand tugging at your nightgown,¡± Jackson tittered.


    Annie was tired of all Derick¡¯s lies. She opened the door wide for him, ¡°Just leave Derick. Go your own way.¡±


    Derick stepped out and turned to nce at her. She shut the door in his face.

 He鈥檚 dead

    ***NEW WOLVES***


    When the sun was down and the shadow of the moon was dominating the shore. The boys jumped over the fence and ran on the private beach. Manny was fast and stealthy. The lifeguard barely caught a glimpse of him. Thetter was half asleep with his shades over his eyes.


    ¡°Wait up bro,¡± Jamal meandered behind.


    ¡°Keep your voice down man,¡± Manny hushed behind a boulder. ¡°That nigga is gonna wake up and see us if you don¡¯t shut your mouth,¡± he said lowly, creeping away from the boulder and climbing the lifeguard¡¯s loft.


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a-¡±


    Manny hushed, ¡°Shut up man.¡±


    Jamal lowered to the ground, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to shut up.¡±


    He dropped his knee on a sand mine the lifeguard set on the beach after hours. It burst at his face. He coughed loudly, the sand got all over his hair and underneath his shirt. He scampered around and undid his buttons, making his way into the water.


    All the whistling fuss startled the lifeguard. He pointed his shlight to the hollering body of the bitch, ¡°Hey you, what are you doing here?¡± he slowly stepped down the steps. ¡°The beach is closed. You are trespassing young man.¡±


    The obvious reason he didn¡¯t rush his footing down the wooden creaky steps was his weight.


    Manny crawled away from the steps and jumped away to hug a palm tree bark. As the lifeguard got to the sand, he took a swift move to his footing. Jamal was all soaked and wet in the water. He was enthused by the waves and the floating blue. His body was light and cool.


    He turned to the beach to see the dusty kicks in the sand. A big man with a bald cap and a whistle dangling on his bare hairy chest, ¡°Don¡¯t move boy. I already got you now,¡± he pointed his shlight straight into Jamal¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Screw this bozo,¡± Jamal squinted. He swam back away from the direction of the lifeguard.


    He dropped the shlight pulled over his whistle on the sand, and dived into the water like a bald eagle. Luckily for Jamal, the chubby lifeguard was a better and quicker swimmer. Jamal swam on the surface and stared down into the water.


    The lifeguard was close to him. He was underneath the surface of the water and swimming right at Jamal.


    ¡°I¡¯m screwed,¡± Jamal¡¯s eyes widened. He continued swimming but that didn¡¯t do him any good. The lifeguard got a hold of his foot. Manny was on the shore staring at them. He couldn¡¯t swim like Jamal. He could not swim at all, ¡°Aw shit Jamal,¡± he palmed his head.     They wanted to get the keys to the inner sanctum. An enclosed area next to the beach where the rich peoplee to spend their time away from the sun during the day. They ruined the whole fun of a beach; why stay in when you came to stay out on the warm, dry sand and y beach ball, enjoy a mocktail or two with shrimps and delicate seafood they had to offer?


    Their n was down the drain now. Manny was trembling in fear. Men of his skin color would face hard and long jail time if they got caught for trespassing. A theft charge will be issued no matter what. Jamal would suffer the same cause but he didn¡¯t want to leave him behind.


    From the extended roof of the inner sanctum protruding to the front of the water, a loud st hit the ocean. Jamal was sent flying from the impact. The lifeguard was thrown farther into the ocean.


    ¡°Jamal!¡± Manny ran to his friend¡¯s tumbling body on the sand. He hopped onto him before he hit the boulder having a fatal detriment.


    Manny turned Jamal over. ¡°Man that was he crazy,¡± Jamal smiled with his teeth wide open.


    ¡°You stupid nigga,¡± Manny pushed Jamal¡¯s head to the ground. ¡°You could have died. Literally,¡± he pointed to the boulder next to them.


    ¡°I know it was scary as shit,¡± Jamal chuckled with a sniffle. ¡°It was kinda funny right?¡±


    ¡°Nigga you be clowning for real.¡± Many threw a shirt at him, ¡°I grabbed this from the loft.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, man,¡± Jamal gleaned at the shirt¡¯s cor. ¡°It says, ¡®Lifeguard¡¯ though.¡±


    ¡°Shut your ass up and walk fool,¡± Manny said sternly.


    Jamal and Manny rose to their feet to wonder what exactly made that impact.


    ***


    After a moment of watching the turbulent water settle, they got a clear view of a body afloat in the water. Face down all clothed in ck.


    Manny stepped forward, ¡°What do you think you are doing man?¡± Jamal held back his hand.


    ¡°Saving him of course,¡± Manny red.


    ¡°You can¡¯t even swim nigga,¡± Jamal furrowed.


    ¡°Then you go save him,¡± Manny shrugged and jerked away to the shore.


    Jamal walked from behind dragging his feet in the sand, ¡°Alright, alright¡­ I will pull him out.¡±


    They were at the ocean front and Jamal leaped into the water. Manny watched him for a second and felt he could do it too. He jumped right in after Jamal.


    ¡°Who is the stupid nigga now?¡± Jamal looked behind him. He was closer to the floating body, he turned back to Manny.


    Manny struggled in the water, ¡°Shit, shit, shit¡­¡± he gurgled water.


    Jamal took his arm right before he sunk, and swam with him back to the shore. The waves hit Jamal¡¯s legs as he stood over Manny. The floating body came ashore with the waves.


    Jamal ran to pull thetter away from the water. He turned him over on the sand. Manny came fast to his side. The man was young but was older than them. His brows were thick. His hair was deepened in a ck mystique down to his shavedyer of beards.


    ¡°You think he¡¯s dead?¡± Manny shouldered Jamal.


    Annoyed by Manny¡¯s peskiness, ¡°I¡¯m not a freaking doctor man.¡± He scoffed, ¡°Check him out or something, I don¡¯t know.¡± He stood up and walked away from the body.


    ¡°You just gonna leave man?¡± Manny opens his palms in confusion. ¡°We could frisk him for some shy shit¡­ even money bro,¡± he raised a brow.


    Jamal threw his arms in the air, ¡°I don¡¯t get funky with all this white people shit.¡± He hissed, ¡°You the nigga, who is always concerned about shit. All of a sudden you got interested now?¡± Jamal folded his arms and looked back at Manny next to the body.


    The young man on the ground burst out an exhale. His eyes popped wide open. Manny tried to move away but Xander got a hold of his arm and bit into it.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Manny shrieked.


    Jamal turned his back on his friend and ran. Xander shoved Manny away to wallow in pain. He chased after Jamal. Jamal stubbed his foot on a rock and fell on the sand. His clothes were stick wet and the sand sort of molded his shirt and shorts.


    Xander pounced on him and bit him in the open unbuttonedyer of his shirt. Jamal felt a rush of adrenaline pump in his body. The pain was felt all over his torso but he justid on the ground with his mouth a gap wide, and his eyes darting into deep space.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    Xander hauled them in the trunk of his pickup truck. Manny was like a maimed man in the thick sticpartment of the trunk. His eyes were drooping, his mouth was drooling and he shivered in shock at the pain in his left arm. Jamalid limbs apart and his face up. His eyes were taken by the stars in the sky.


    It was a long drive till the truck made a stop. It was almost daybreak. The cold was gone and the warm moist air kicked in. Xander had them carried in by two of his betas; Jackson and Eric.


    For the time they were sitting on the couch in the living room, Manny and Jamal were silent. They sat upright when Xander walked in and a red-haireddy mmed the door shut. At least now, they have been offered food and something to drink.


    ¡°I thought I was dead,¡± Jamal muttered to Manny in the ear.


    ¡°I thought I was dead too,¡± Manny bobbed his head.


    ¡°No one died, you just got bitten,¡± Xander sat across them. ¡°Most would have died after the bite, but you guys were different.¡±


    Jamal and Manny looked at each other and stared back at Xander. They were fraught.


    ¡°Maybe these puny humans are worth a shot in the pack after all,¡± Faye snickered, sprawling on the sofa.


    ¡°They don¡¯t look like Delta material to me,¡± Shawn scoffed, leaning back in his chair by the firece.


    Jackson came into the living room, holding the door handle, ¡°We have started a bonfire to initiate the new wolves of the Alpha pack.¡±


    It came as no shock to Manny and Joni. This life would be better than the unfair life in the human world.


    ¡°Over to you first beta,¡± Xander nced at Faye. ¡°They are under yourmand as from today henceforth.¡±


    ¡°On your feet,¡± Faye snapped her fingers.


    Manny and Jamal jolted upright staring up at the painting of the burning man.

 Werewolves exist

    In stormy clouds at night. The rain had started a hazard on the street outside the hospital. People ran across the streets for shelter. Every phone booth had an unlikely pair of individuals, shivering and staring at each other. The posters were ripped off the walls and ss windows.


    The hospital building was the hallmark of grey lights that stood out in the block. The car park is like a ghost town. Every single person had cleared the building. A patient still remained in the care of a few doctors.


    In the first ward of thest floor, a young girl was scared for her life. She clung to the side of her bed, tilting her head to the side. She was in so much pain. The blood transfusion was not a sess. Her reaction was getting worse by the minute. Her lifeline was going t on the monitor.


    The doctors left the room. In a little moment, the young girl would give up the ghost. A male nurse came back from behind the door. The room temperature was warmer. She could feel the heat emanating from the salivating young man.


    His teeth were sharp and bulgy. Her line went t on the monitor. She knocked over her pillow and took onest scene of the window. The dark cloud epassed the building.


    ***


    Like a momentarypse in time, she thought back to her neighborhood. Her friends chase each other leaving her in the middle. They were young, dumb, and bold. Everyone basically lived in the same house. The rest of thend was extended vegetation. The sunny side of the green valley. The olive garden in the front yard and the vines strung up at the fence of the backyard. The house was a home to many.


    The older siblings were quick to leave. They always wondered about the outside world. They wandered till they reached the outskirts. The boys and the girls were split even, career-wise. They either went off to fight the war or joined the m in the big cities.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Unlike the other boys, Joni was not the war type. He thought it pointless; Men charging at themselves with firearms all in the name of peace. He sat in his room all day by his desk with his pencil and his drawing sheets. He¡¯d paste werewolf sketches all over his walls. He was a fanatic for fantasy creatures.


    Sandra and the other girls were in the other wing of the house. She often saw Joni on the fields in the night of the full moon just staring up at the sky like something was going to happen.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Sandra sat next to him.


    He turned back and fidgeted nervously, ¡°Oh-I uh¡­ I just um¡­ watch the stars sometimes.¡±


    She crossed her arms eagerly, ¡°No. I saw you looking straight at that big ball of white-you some kind of lover of the moon?¡± she shrugged him teasingly.


    He stifled a smile and spread his legs on the grass, ¡°I think they exist¡­ werewolves.¡±


    Sandra wrapped her hands over her knees. Her breaths were cold and slightly foggy, ¡°Well someone has to be crazy about one thing right.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s getting pretty chill. Too chill,¡± he held one of her shaky palms. ¡°Maybe we should go inside.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the cold really, I have a condition. Tsk.¡± She shook her head, ¡°I should not be out here, but I snuck out the first chance I got.¡± She pushed a finger to his lips, ¡°No snitching. You never saw me outside,¡± she whispered with a tilted smile.


    ¡°You can move closer to me,¡± he lowered


    She rubbed her palms together and leaned back on the grass, ¡°Funny how I¡¯ve never seen you around much. There are a lot of us, but I can bet I know everyone who has ever lived here. That hasn¡¯t already gone out to the city.


    Yes I have been cooped up in this house for all my life, with only books and more books. There is this one book¡­¡± he turned over to take the book he sat on. A ck slender book, dusty Paperback, and crusty broken edges.


    She was back on the hospital bed. The clouds had cleared, and the sun was out more beautiful than ever.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you look sun-kissed now,¡± the male nurse stretched his rubber gloves. ¡°Right about now you will be thinking about nothing just¡­ thoughts,¡± he smiled sitting at her side.


    She moved away from his side hesitantly and sat up, ¡°Who-Ouch!¡± she palmed her neck. She saw her reflection in sun shade of the ss window, her neck was tapered with a bandage.


    He raised his hands defenselessly, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I only saved you from a horrible death.¡± He lowered when he saw the calm in her eyes, he pressed against the bed and jolted to his feet, ¡°Well¡­ I guess we can get going,¡± he walked to the window side.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she rubbed her hands against the sheets conditionally.


    ¡°Sorry I skipped the introduction,¡± he squinted dragging the curtains over the window. ¡°My name is Shawn, what¡¯s yours?¡±


    ¡°San-Sandra,¡± she pulled down the sheets and slowly dropped her feet to the ground.


    ¡°Cool, cool,¡± he ran his fingers behind his ear.


    ¡°You¡¯re a vamp-


    ¡°Eww, God no!¡± he tapped the window pane.


    ¡°We are werewolves,¡± a male voice said behind her.


    She wasn¡¯t spooked. She sumbed to whatever word wille out of thetter¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°That¡¯s Jackson,¡± Shawn pointed. ¡°He¡¯s been in the room for a while now,¡± he stepped closer to Sandra, crouched, and whispered, ¡°And he can be a little creepy.¡±


    ¡°I heard that,¡± Jackson showed his face since Sandra was fixated on his window reflection.


    ¡°Alright then, you will meet the others and we will exinter,¡± Shawn turned to the lower side of the bed and zipped a bag full of folded clothes. He took a pause and yawned.


    ¡°What¡¯s the evidence?¡± Sandra confronted Jackson.


    ¡°Of what?¡± Shawn stood up and hung the bag on his shoulder.


    Sandra stared at Jackson with a stern, ¡°WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE?¡±


    ¡°Oh wow,¡± Jackson stood arms akimbo. ¡°I put my blood into your systemst night and¡­ Everyone else died-the others I tried it for, but for some reason, you survived.¡±


    ¡°It was you,¡± her face sunken. ¡°You bit mest night.¡±


    Shawn threw his arms in the air and walked out of the room, ¡°Meet me outside in the car.¡±


    ¡°If only we could bite to save lives,¡± he chuckled softly. ¡°That¡¯s a transfusion tube isn¡¯t it, and a bunch of other stuff for blood-


    ¡°You bit me,¡± she said defensively.


    ¡°Okay take off the bandage,¡± he stretched to the neck side.


    She pped his hand away, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a bite mark,¡± he sighed. ¡°Check to see for yourself.¡±


    ***


    She sat in the back seat of the blue jalopy. She attached a cleaner bandage to her neck side. A while ago she wouldn¡¯t have believed anything in the world was going to save her life, not to mention werewolves.


    Shawn started the car. He put some jazz music on and glided his shoulders to every tune. Jackson looked nced at her in the exterior side mirror. She caught sight of his smirk.


    ¡°He was right,¡± she kicked Jackson¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Who? Me?¡± Shawn snapped his finger to the smooth jazz.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she chuckled. ¡°He is a creep.¡±


    Shawn spat the gum out his mouth and burst intoughter. Jackson shook his head and lowered the jazz music.


    ¡°Did she strike a nerve?¡± Shawn teased.


    ¡°Excuse you, Sandra,¡± Jackson raised a brow. ¡°You are not my type.¡±


    ¡°You can say that for now but I¡¯m everyone¡¯s type,¡± Sandra swung her around his neck, blowing a kiss to his cheek.


    ¡°No I mean literally,¡± he took her arm away from his neck. ¡°I like bold, strong, and fine men.¡±


    ¡°I think the Deltas will love her,¡± Shawn drifted into the open road.


    ¡°Like Shawn over here,¡± Sandra sped her hands over her mouth andid back on the back seat.


    ¡°Come on Sandra,¡± Shawn smirked. ¡°I am too pretty for him.¡±


    ¡°I like bold, string, and fine men,¡± Sandra and Shawn mimicked.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Jackson breathed. ¡°You are most definitely going to be a beat, no fun for you.¡±


    ***


    The street was filled with cars yet again. It was really a stockpile of pedestrians also. Amidst the multitude, the turbulence ofst night left a stain on the environment. The grounds were litters and the top of small buildings were either torn apart or tilted to the side.

 Pipe down beta

    On a ranch on the outskirts of themunity. The Alpha pack made it their safe haven. They had been rearing the animals on the farm and growing crops in the fields. Everyone was equally tasked with a portion of thend.


    Xander was resting in a small cabin behind the ranch. He was cleaned up and covered in satincks and a v-shaped vest. He was covered with drapes. Faye sat by his side holding a cup of fresh mildew.


    He opened his eyes surprised to see her caring face, ¡°Fa¨CFaye?¡±


    ¡°You look like shit,¡± she smirked.


    He sat up on the bed and felt a strain in his chest, holding himself tight with a groan, ¡°Those bastards got me good.¡±


    Faye brought the cup closer to him to sip, ¡°I know. I cleaned you up myself.¡±


    Xander worried she had taken advantage of him, ¡°Did you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Ohe on,¡± she teased. ¡°What would be the fun in that? A little hassle is worth the try.¡±


    Xander shook his head smiling and sipped the mildew.


    Shawn entered the room with Eric. Manny and Joni¡¯s head were bobbing behind the small door.


    ¡°Good to see you all freshly baked,¡± Shawnughed haggardly.


    Eric grimaced at Shawn, ¡°And what the hell is that supposed to mean?¡±


    Xander sniffed and dropped his feet to the floorboard. faye aided to help him, he held her hand briefly and let go when she looked him straight in the eyes.


    ¡°Pipe down beta,¡± Shawn yawned at Eric, scuffling thetter¡¯s hair jokingly.


    ¡°Always saying random shit¡± Eric pped Shawn¡¯s hand slightly disdainful.


    Xander got to his feet and Faye stood beside the others. He walked to the windowpane and stared out at the trees further away from the ranch. The sun was just rising at the top of the trees, crispy bright burns like the head of a firefly.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    He shielded his face with his palm and breathed out slowly. Relieved of being in the keep of the elders. It was just hard for him. He remembered the whishes he got on his back the whole night. Jack reed taking a test of the sledge on his ribs till each and everyone was broken.


    He rubbed his sides gently. The smoothedy of the bandages. He turned back to look at his wolves and said, ¡°They wille back, but I am not worried about that now.¡±


    Faye leaned on the wooden pir, ¡°What do you want us to do now?¡±


    ¡°When can n a hit on them before they find us,¡± Eric said eagerly.


    ¡°And risk the end of the Alpha back?¡± Shawn grunted. ¡°A revolt won¡¯t be the best idea now.¡±


    ¡°Never thought you would turn down a fight,¡± Faye gleaned.


    Xander folded his arms behind and nudged forward, ¡°Damn the consequences,¡± he sniffed. ¡°The mission now is to save Catherine.¡±


    The room fell silent. They stared at each other waiting for Xander¡¯s next few words.


    ¡°The betas and the dts will be divided,¡± Xander coughed and held his side. He looked at everyone in the room sternly, I will ask now, who is with me?¡±


    Shawn stepped forward, ¡°Till the earth swallows me whole.¡± He bent the knee to Xander.


    Eric waited for a reaction from Faye. She stood her ground and sighed, ¡°For the glory of the house Marion.¡± She lowered to her knee, ¡°Whatever happens, happens.¡±


    Eric took the knee hesitantly by her side.


    ***


    The whole pack was gathered in the stables. Xander stood on a wooden crater and stomped, ¡°This is the moment we give our all. We are not restrained by thews of themunity. Treason or not, it breaks my heart but the spirit of each and everyone here is bound to house Marion, you stand with me in a time of crisis. My crisis. We will fight til there is no cause for fighting. Damn it, let theme, now we go and save Elena.¡±


    ¡°All hail the Alpha,¡± Manny said.


    ¡°All hail the Alpha!¡± Faye seconded.


    The pack set put in three squad divisions. Shanw and the deltas were sent to defend whatever was left of the south. Faye and the betas journeyed north ahead of Xander who took Manny and Joni a different route north.


    The deltas would hit back at the council wolves if they came to find Xander. And so it happened. The next light, everyone departed.


    ***


    Shawn and the deltas were camouged in the green bushes of the wickedness and mud covered in their faces and skin. A group of council wolves was on the move.


    ¡°We have surrounded the perimeter,¡± a delta said high up in the trees. ¡°The air team is a go.¡±


    Shawn and the others rose from the dirt they were covered in and grabbed the council wolves by the legs, ¡°Ground team is a go. Go, go, go!¡±


    The wolves on the trees swung around grabbing wolves from the ground and pinning them against the trees with pinewood stakes.


    The deltas engaged in a tough battle in the south. The forces of the council wererge in numbers but less coordinated and skillful than the Alpha wolves.


    The deltas were full-on waging with all their might. A delta wolf could take on two council wolves at a go. Bodies dropped dead and the wounded surfaced to the roots of the trees to shelter. The quinoa trees were the battleground.


    A few kilometers from them were the fallen treess from a fight long before. Piles and piles of gigantic logs of wood. The deltas were progressing till a distress signal came from the air team.


    ¡°More enemies abound!¡± a delta yelled.


    ¡°Fall back, fall back!¡± Shawn warned.


    The deltas gathered the most of themselves, ¡°where do you go?¡± another delta panted. Shawn remained brave for them, ¡°There¡¯s a drift in the forest. We need to move fast and now. We can hide out in the fallen trees ahead.¡± Immediately, they dispersed into the thick forest.

 I survived

    Above the gentle flowing stream. The day was bright and sunny. Their foreheads were sweaty and their eyes were dry around the edges. They ran down the steep hill fast. Catherine stumbled on the steeping stones downhill. Jackson lifted her from the ground and onto his shoulders. He was faster and stronger as he jumped over huge boulders. The ck cloaks were gaining on them. At this rate, they would be met with an unfair fight.


    ¡°They are right behind us,¡± Elle yelped.


    ¡°Get ready,¡± Jacson yelled.


    ¡°Ready for what?¡± Catherine asked fearfully.


    Jackson jumped into the stream with Catherine in his arms. The water to them fast. Catherine was underwater and unable to swim. She waved her arms and legs aimlessly in the water. Jackson grabbed her out her head was now above water.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Catherine gulped out.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I am so sorry,¡± he held her close to him as he swam steadily in the heavy flowing stream. The onlooking bloodsuckers from above the banks ran at the speed of the stream.


    Catherine pointed out, ¡°What are we going to do about them?¡±


    ¡°You will be fine¡­ leave them for me to deal with,¡± he deepened.


    ¡°Can you take them all three?¡±


    ¡°These grounds are not strong to engagebat,¡± Jackson said. ¡°I have prepared for this day for a very long time.¡±


    ¡°What do you need to do?¡± Catherine whimpered.


    ¡°I will lure them,¡± Jackson said convincingly. He braced himself for impact with a wave. They separated and Catherine was desperate, ¡°Hang on.¡±


    Catherine grabbed hold of an extended tree branch, ¡°Swim to me. I can¡¯t hold out for long.¡±


    They were close to the waterfall. The height was heartstopping. Catherine¡¯s heart was beating rapidly. Jackson could not lie to her, ¡°One wrong move and ssh!¡±


    ¡°I will have to go down,¡± she stared up at his body rising above her in the water. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me¡­¡±


    ¡°You cannot swim Catherine,¡± he said concernedly. ¡°If you¡­ If you drown.¡±


    ¡°You are worried about your promise to Xander,¡± her eyes gleamed as the water spurts to her face.


    The sunlight made her face sparkle in the midst of the debacle. Jackson remained adamant about sticking with her to find a way out, ¡°I won¡¯t forgive myself. I cannot let you go.¡±


    The water came on to them heavier. Catherine¡¯s grip on the branch loosened and Jackson slipped away from her side. He tried to cling to her but she was swept away quickly.


    ¡°Catherine!¡± he yelled still able to swim away to the bank. The ck cloaks appeared again and he was met with two choices; to either go after Catherine which would tell her whereabouts to the vampire or take him down with the chance he had now.


    ***


    She washed up the shore, covered with tumbleweed and seashells hanging on her hair. She was surprised to be alive and she crawled on the wet sand to hide behind a boulder.


    ¡°I survived. I survived,¡± she panted softly. Her back against the rock and her face straight into a dark cove, she turned away and looked up to get a glimpse of Jackson.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± she squinted. ¡°I pray they don¡¯t get to him.¡±


    Jackson was on the outer banks. The ck cloaks came forward and circled him. They all ran towards him all at once. He lowered and crouched defensively, and suddenly the ground cracked open and they all came down.


    Buried in the rumbles of the dirt, they barely sounded with proof of life. The ck cloakks were bloodstained and their bodies were utterly crushed to bones and skin roughages. Jackson¡¯s face stuck out in the dirty bloodied and battered.


    Catherine came running towards him. She brushed her knees on the ground as she fell to his side.


    ¡°Oh my God, Jackson,¡± she touched the side of his face gently. ¡°What can I do?¡± she cried.


    Jackson smiled forcefully, ¡°It¡¯s okay Catherine. Just go before any one of them survives.¡± He squeezed and gulped out blood, ¡°Go, Catherine, Go and save yourself. A mile from here to east and you¡¯ll be on your way to themunity.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t just leave you,¡± she cried. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    The thunder rumbled and the clouds gathered.


    ¡°Go now Catherine, please,¡± Jackson begged.


    She rose to her feet and dragged her legs reluctantly, shedding tears as she walked away from his buried body, ¡°Thank you, for everything Jackson.¡±


    She went her way to the ridge of the hill. The rain started to fall. She walked the lonely path on the wide expense ofnd.

 Whirlwind

    Minnie had been worried about Alexa for days. Her friend had been acting strange ever since theirst meeting and Minnie was starting to get concerned. She decided to pay a visit to Alexa¡¯s home to check on her.


    When Minnie arrived at Alexa¡¯s home, she quickly realized that Alexa wasn¡¯t there. She searched the house, calling out her name, but Alexa didn¡¯t answer. As Minnie walked around the house, she noticed that something felt off. The air seemed thick with tension, and she couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on what was wrong.


    Minnie knew that Alexa¡¯s mother had been sick for some time. She decided to go to Nurse Sandra¡¯s office to see if she had any news on her condition. When she arrived, the nurse looked up and smiled at her.


    ¡°Hello, Minnie. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I was looking for Alexa, but she¡¯s not at home. I was wondering how her mother is doing.¡±


    Nurse Sandra¡¯s face fell. ¡°I¡¯m afraid she¡¯s not doing well. She¡¯s been getting worse over thest few days. We¡¯ve been giving her a few medications but it doesn¡¯t seem to be helping anymore.¡± Her eyes shed worry. ¡°Catherine and Joni  need to make it here in time, or else I am afraid we don¡¯t have much time left.¡±


    Minnie felt a pang of worry in her chest. She had hoped that by now Catherine and Joni would have been back with the ck powder but it seemed things were taking longer than usual and she hoped both of them were okay for the meantime, Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s health was deteriorating and they needed to find a substitute drug for her.


    ¡°Do you know where she is now?¡± Minnie asked, her face filled with worry for her friend. it wasn¡¯t easy for her as both her friends were not by her side right now one was out there in danger and one was back here in the pack sad.


    ¡°She¡¯s in her room upstairs.¡± The nurse glinted with remembrance ¡°You mentioned Alexa, didn¡¯t you? She is currently in her mother¡¯s womb and she is exhausted and scared. She could really use some help.¡±


    Minnie nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll go and check on them. Thank you.¡±


    As she climbed the stairs, Minnie tried to prepare herself for what she might find. She had never seen someone who was close to death before, and she wasn¡¯t sure she was ready for it. Things were really going on strangely in the pack, herst conversation with Xander proved that something was actually going on and things were not right in the pack.


    As she approached the door to Alexa¡¯s mum¡¯s room she heard voicesing from inside and it sounded more like Alexa sobbing. She was muttering no words that Minnie could barely pick up what was saying. Despite the fact that she wanted to barge in there andfort her, Minnie Felt that it was necessary to give the daughter and her mother alone time. At least she was sure Alexa would save now.


    Aa left the room, and Minnie felt a sense of unease settle over her. She didn¡¯t know why, but she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen. the park has be a shadow of itself the elders of the pack seem to be working and acting like they were being controlled by an external force that couldn¡¯t be seen and to top it all Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s sickness came out all of a sudden and ever since the verdict that only the ck powder could cure her Minnie has always been skeptical and sometimes she felt that someone or something was leading them to a particr thing they needed to know and the thought of that alone scared the s*** out of her.


    ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± Nurse Sandra asked Minnie as soon as she walked out of the room.


    ¡°I have to give them some alone time. Alexa is barely coping and I need to find out some things.¡± She replied.


    The nurse dropped her pain on the table and crossed her arms on it, throwing Minnie a questioning stare. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to pry but what things do you want to figure out?¡±


    Minnie let out an exasperated sigh, she swung the little bag she held across her shoulder and sat directly opposite the nurse. ¡°I can¡¯t see you but I think this is getting to my breaking point of understanding, everyone in the park seems to have changed a lot and things are bing too scary-¡±


    ¡°You can say that again,¡± Sandra affirmed. The cold wind came in from outside of Sandra¡¯s window blowing a chilly air on their pale skin causing goosebumps. Sandra noticed this and poured both of them two cups of coffee, they sipped in silence, and after a while Sandra broke the silence.  ¡°a lot of strange things have been happening basically and I will start from the sudden change in the alpha Mayfair .¡±


    ¡°I know right? leading the pack to destroy another pack because of a personal intention when the pack wasn¡¯t even threatened doesn¡¯t sit well with me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sugarcoat things, my dear, it is very bad and demeaning of him to do such a thing, he has sessfully put the packs in any meeting with neighboring packs. what then will happen if we have a sudden war and need the alliance of our neighboring packs no one will be willing to help and we will be doomed.¡±


    Minnie at the truth in Sandra¡¯s statement, but she didn¡¯t hope for things to turn out that bad despite the constant in our hearts that it was already worse than it seemed. giving Sandra a call to know she stood, strapped her bag on her shoulders, and shed a sad smile on her face. ¡°I hope things don¡¯t get too bad. Keep me updated on Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s progress.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Sandra replied with a smile. ¡°you can count on that and as soon as you get any information on Catherine do let me know.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Minnie nodded and walked out of the office.


    She knew that she needed to find out more. She needed to talk to Alexa and figure out what was going on. But for now, all she could do was sit there and wish that there was something more she could do.


    ********


    Minnie had barely gotten home before she copsed onto her bed in exhaustion. The past few days had been nothing short of a whirlwind. The hunt, Alexa¡¯s Mother¡¯s illness, and now the unsettling news about Mayfair. news has been going around that Mayfair the alpha was bing a shadow of himself. He was more ruthless, and gloomy and always tended to show his authority whenever he had the chance. Lots of pack members have been imprisoned and punished thesest few days for little offenses and the sickening thought of that bothered Minnie so much.


    the pack was facing a serious down time and it felt like they were slowly disbanding she wasn¡¯t sure maybe it was the moon goddess¡¯s punishment for killing an Innocent pack, but Minnie knew that the moon goddess would not be so cruel to also let the innocent suffer from what they were not part of. She was in a serious battle with herself, her mind was copsing and her eyes hurt like hell and the thought of Catherine and Joni being out there in danger was giving her a profound headache that she could not do anything else than shut her eyes tight and let the memories wash away.


    She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. She needed to rest before she could even think about dealing with anything else.


    Later that evening, Minnie rose from her bed feeling slightly more refreshed. She did her best to shake off the weariness that had settled in her bones and made her way to Alexa¡¯s house. She was the only one Minnie could talk to at this time, there was no Catherine nor Joni to talk to but a sad and broken Alexa. After the other day, meaning did not go back to see Alexa and she felt a twinge of guilt in her mind she was all Alexa had and it was like she was feeling her because of her insecurities and Darkening thoughts or what was going on in the pack.


    The moon was high in the sky, casting shadows across the ground. Minnie couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy as she walked down the empty streets. She was thankful when she finally reached Alexa¡¯s house.


    After the typical greetings, Alexa quickly got down to business.


    ¡°How is your mother?¡± Minnie asked you already knowing the answer but she was expecting there was a positive change in her mother¡¯s health.


    Alexa sighed and heaved further into the cushion she sat on. In a weak and tired voice, she said. ¡°Still the same no improvement whatsoever, right now we only depend on Catherine and Joni .¡± Her voice dropped an octave and her throat choked with tears. ¡°What if they were not able to find the powder? What if they are in danger? What-¡±


    Minnie sighed, she lifted her lean and slender frame from the chair; she searched the room right to where Alexa would be seated. She ced a reassuring hand on her back and slowly whispered reassuring words. ¡°Let¡¯s be positive, thinking of the negative would not ay our fears instead it will increase our dark thoughts.¡±


    After a while Alexa came down a bit. Though Minnie wanted to ask her badly about the drawing of the muscr man in her drawing book, she kept it to herself. Alexa had just calmed down after a mental breakdown. She was not going to be reminded of anything touching again so she decided to change the topic to what was happening in the pack currently.


    ¡°Minnie, things aren¡¯t going well in the pack. Mayfair has been acting strange for weeks now, and it¡¯s only getting worse. He¡¯s bing more ruthless and gloomy by the day.¡± Alexa blotted out our thoughts, leaving Minnie surprised.


    Minnie sat there, listening with rapt attention. She had noticed that Mayfair hadn¡¯t been acting like himselftely, but she hadn¡¯t realized it was this bad. If the alpha was having trouble, then the entire pack was under threat.

 Who鈥檚 there?

    ¡°What could be causing this?¡± Minnie asked with genuine concern.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing, we don¡¯t know. Nothing has changed in the pack to cause this shift in Mayfair. It¡¯s like he¡¯s an entirely different person.¡±


    Minnie felt her heart sink. If they didn¡¯t know what was causing this, then how could they fix it? ¡°What can we do?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but we need to figure it out soon. The pack is getting restless, and if Mayfair doesn¡¯t snap out of this soon, there could be dire consequences,¡± Alexa said gravely.


    Minnie knew that Alexa was right. She needed to start looking for answers before it was toote. ¡°I¡¯ll go see Aariv, maybe he knows something.¡±


    As Minnie got up to leave, Alexa spoke up once more. ¡°Be careful, Minnie. Something strange is going on, and I don¡¯t trust anyone right now.¡±


    Minnie nodded before leaving the house and making her way to Aariv¡¯s. When she got there, she was surprised to find that no one was home. She called out his name, but there was no answer. Minnie walked around the house, trying to see if there were any signs of life.


    But there was none, Minnie sighed. She walked slowly back to her apartment with worry in her heart. it felt like their feet were unsure and something bad wanted to happen but she did not know what was that you could not put her hand on it. Xander¡¯s reassurance to protect them, Minnie was not fully assured because of how ruthless Mayfair and his aplices Samantha and Liam had be. She knew the winner of something good and if it went on something drastic would happen to the pack.


    Minnie woke up early the next day, still reeling from the events of the previous night. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Alexa and the tragedy that had befallen her family. She knew she had to check on her friend and see how she was holding up.


    Without a second thought, she got dressed and headed over to Alexa¡¯s house. As she approached the door, she noticed that Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s car was still in the driveway. Her heart sank. She knew that Sandra had stayed up all night waiting for some kind of response from her daughter, but nothing hade.


    Minnie knocked on the door and was greeted by a tired and worn-looking Sandra. ¡°Any change?¡± she asked hopefully, knowing deep down that the answer was probably no.


    Sandra shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. ¡°No, nothing. She¡¯s still in the same state asst night. It¡¯s like she¡¯s retreated into herself.¡±


    Minnie could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She knew she had to do something to help her friend. ¡°Why don¡¯t we take a walk?¡± she suggested, hoping to get Alexa out of the house for a little while.


    Sandra nodded, grateful for thepany. As they walked around the quiet neighborhood, Minnie tried to talk to Sandra about Alexa¡¯s brother, hoping it might provide somefort for her. She listened as Sandra shared stories about him, recounting fond memories of a young boy full of life and energy.


    After a while, they headed back to the house, where Alexa was still holed up in her room. Minnie went upstairs to check on her and found her curled up in bed, looking small and fragile. She sat down next to her and gently stroked her hair, trying tofort her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± Alexa whispered. ¡°I feel so lost and alone.¡±


    Minnie knew exactly how she felt. She had never been in a situation like this before and didn¡¯t know how to make things better. But she knew she had to do something.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to my ce,¡± she said, hoping a change of scenery might lift Alexa¡¯s spirits. ¡°We can watch a movie or something.¡±


    Alexa nodded numbly and got up, following Minnie out of the room. As they left, Minnie noticed a drawing pad on the dresser. It was filled with sketches of various scenes and objects, all done in a delicate line that spoke of sensitivity and care.


    Curious, she picked up the pad and flipped through it. As she turned the pages, she saw that the quality of the drawings varied. Some were quite rough and unfinished, while others were detailed and masterfully executed.


    And then she saw it. A drawing of a young woman, her features blurred by tears. The lines were shaky and uncertain, but there was something in the way they wavered that made Minnie feel like she was looking into the deepest parts of Alexa¡¯s soul.


    She turned the page and saw more of the same. Images of grief and sorrow, are captured in a few quick strokes of a pencil. It was clear that this pad was something special, something that Alexa had poured her heart and soul into.


    Minnie put the pad down, feeling a sense of shock wash over her. She had known Alexa for years and had never seen her draw anything before. And yet here was this incredible talent, hidden away somewhere in the depths of her friend¡¯s grief.


    As she and Alexa left the house and headed back to hers, Minnie couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the pad. She knew she had to talk to Alexa about it, to ask her how she had honed such a skill and why she had never shown it to anyone else.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    But for now, she just walked in silence, holding Alexa¡¯s hand and wishing she could take away all of her pain.


    As Minnie wandered through the werewolf pack, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach. She knew that whatevery ahead was dangerous, but she couldn¡¯t resist the pull of the unknown. This was the little she could do to make sure her back was protected and no external forces were threatening the safety of everyone in our pack. Catherine and Joni were on their mission of obtaining the ck powder Minnie could not just sit down and wait for them toe without doing anything. They had just returned from the hospital and got the same news from Nurse Sandra. Alexa was so downcasted and aggravated.


    Minnie knew how exactly Alexa felt. It isn¡¯t a very good experience to lose to people you love and care for in your life. After Alexa had gone to sleep, Minnie stumbled on a piece of drawing book that looked simr to that of Alexa¡¯s. She picked it up and in it, she found it was a Herwit drawing book. Herwit was Alexa¡¯s brother who had died in a mysterious incident. Minnie was surprised to see that he did not draw or have any pictures of any pack member including his mother and sister, all he drew were mysterious ces in the park that she knew. She tried to shake off the feeling that nothing was wrong until she stumbled upon a drawing that looked like an old donjon.


    At first, there was nothing peculiar and special about the drawing; it was just like any other drawing of an old donjon. But it seems the artist was making a specific statement known to whoever picked up his book. Shemented bitterly in the text on the paper how badly he was treated and how he feared the guardian at the donjon. This picked our interest and she did something she had never done before she didn¡¯t follow her instinct. She was immediately drawn to the directions that were given to the location of the donjon. which was why she was taking the big risk of going there at this time.


    She walked on through the dark forest, her heart beating loudly in her ears as she followed the directions in Herwit¡¯s book. The trees seemed to close in around her, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel as though she was being watched.


    After what felt like hours of walking, she finally saw it in the distance ¨C the old donjon. It was an ancient structure, covered in vines and moss, that seemed to be sinking into the earth. A shiver ran down Minnie¡¯s spine as she approached.


    As she ventured further into the maze beneath, the darkness and quiet closing in on her senses, Minnie felt as though she was descending into the depths of the earth itself. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder what secrets this ce held, and what her investigation would uncover.


    Suddenly, she heard the sound of stony footsteps echoing in the distance. She froze, fear taking hold of her heart as she realized she wasn¡¯t alone down here. She could hear something breathing, something big. She clutched the book tight to her chest and slowly pulled out her weapon.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± she called out, her voice shaking just a bit.


    There was no answer, only the sound of heavy footsteps getting closer and closer. Minnie¡¯s heart raced as she readied herself for whatever wasing her way.


    Suddenly, a figure stepped out of the darkness. It was a werewolf, his snarling face twisted in anger as he observed Minnie.


    ¡°What are you doing down here?¡± he growled, his eyes shing with a fierce light.


    Minnie held up the book, her voice steady despite the terror that had gripped her heart.


    ¡°I found this in Alexa¡¯s house, and I traced it here,¡± she exined, doing her best to keep her tone calm and collected. ¡°I think it might have belonged to Herwit.¡±

 Cassandra?

    The werewolf eyed her suspiciously for a moment, as though weighing the validity of her words. Finally, he nodded.


    ¡°Herwit was a good kid,¡± he said, his voice softening just a bit. ¡°He had a lot of heart and a lot of courage. I guess he was always looking for a way to prove himself.¡±


    Minnie nodded, still gripping the book tightly in her hands.


    ¡°What do you think he was looking for down here?¡± she asked, curiosity getting the best of her.


    The werewolf shook his head, his eyes ncing around the dark tunnels that surrounded them.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± he admitted. ¡°But there are rumors¡­ old legends passed down through the pack that tell of something buried deep beneath this old donjon. Something powerful and terrifying.¡±


    Minnie¡¯s heart skipped a beat at the thought.


    ¡°Do you know what it is?¡± she asked, feeling a bit nervous.


    The werewolf shook his head.


    ¡°No one does,¡± he said. ¡°Only that it¡¯s something that should never be disturbed.¡±


    Minnie swallowed hard, her mind racing with the possibilities.


    ¡°We should go,¡± she said, turning to leave. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    The werewolf nodded in agreement, and the two of them made their way back up to the surface. As they walked away, Minnie couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something dark and dangerous was still lurking deep beneath the old donjon. Something that had been waiting, patiently, for someone to uncover its secrets.


    Minnie couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of unease as she made her way back to Alexa¡¯s house. She had a million thoughts running through her mind as she came to the realization that she had left the drawing book at Alexa¡¯s ce.


    As they returned from the nurse¡¯s office the next day, Alexa couldn¡¯t help but notice that something was off with Minnie. She tried to ask her, but Minnie quickly waved it off, saying that she was just feeling a little tired.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    They made their way back to Alexa¡¯s house, and as Alexa went up for her usual nap, Minnie took the opportunity to secretly take her brother¡¯s drawing book and stuff it in a bag.


    She knew that Alexa wouldn¡¯t approve of her going to the donjon alone, but Minnie felt like she had to do it, she couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that there was something important there.


    As Minnie made her way towards the donjon, she noticed that there was nobody around. Even the strange man she had met the other day was nowhere to be found. She walked in and found the ce empty.


    Just as she was about to leave, she heard a voice behind her. ¡°Something drastic ising for your pack,¡± the voice said.


    Minnie turned around to see an old man staring at her. She tried to ask him about what he meant, but he simply repeated himself, saying that something dark and drastic wasing for their pack and that they needed to prepare.


    Minnie was shocked, and she didn¡¯t know how to react. She didn¡¯t know what to do with this information. She felt like she couldn¡¯t just go back to Alexa¡¯s house and ignore what the old man had said.


    As Minnie walked back to Alexa¡¯s house, she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what the old man had told her. She knew that she had to tell Alexa, but she also knew that Alexa wouldn¡¯t believe her. She felt like she was stuck in a difficult situation.


    As she entered the house, Alexa could tell that something was wrong. Minnie tried to y it off, but Alexa persisted until Minnie finally revealed what had happened at the donjon.


    Alexa was skeptical at first, but Minnie showed her the drawing book, and they both knew that they had to take the old man¡¯s warning seriously.


    As they nned on what to do next, they knew that they had to be careful. They didn¡¯t know what wasing, but they were determined to be prepared for anything that might happen.


    The tension in the air was palpable as they tried toe up with a n. They knew that they had a lot of work to do, but they were willing to do whatever it took to protect their pack.


    Minnie was pacing back and forth in her room, her mind racing with thoughts about the prophecy the old man had made. She couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of unease that had settled deep inside her chest. She needed to understand what was happening and what it meant for her and the rest of the pack.


    Feeling restless and anxious, Minnie made up her mind to seek counsel fromXander , the beta of the pack. She had always found him to be level-headed and wise, and she had a feeling that he would know how to interpret the prophecy and what actions she should take.


    Minnie made her way to the pack house where Xander was usually found, keeping his watch over the pack. She found him sitting on a log, deep in thought. He noticed Minnie¡¯s arrival, and his face lit up with a friendly smile.


    ¡°Hi Minnie, how can I help you today?¡± Xander asked, sensing something was weighing heavily on her mind.


    Minnie sat down beside him on the log and rted everything that had happened to her in thest few days. From the strange drawing book she had found, to the ominous warning from the old man, she shared everything with him, hoping that he would be able to give her some rity.


    Xander listened patiently, his brow furrowed in thought. After Minnie had finished, he let out a deep sigh and said, ¡°Minnie, I won¡¯t lie to you, but the prophecy is true. Something terrible is about to happen in the pack, and it¡¯s our duty to ensure that we are prepared for it.¡±


    Minnie felt a cold shiver run down her spine at those words. She had suspected as much, but hearing it from Xander confirmed her worst fears. ¡°What should we do?¡± she asked, looking at him intently.


    Xander fixed her with a stern look. ¡°We cannot panic or spread the word about the prophecy. It will only create chaos in the pack. What we need to do is stay vignt and prepare ourselves for whatever ising.¡±


    Minnie nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. ¡°What can we do to prepare?¡± she asked, ready to do whatever it took to protect her pack.


    ¡°We need to start training harder and working on developing our strengths. We also need to gather as much information about the prophecy as we can, so we can be better prepared to face whatever ising our way.¡±


    Minnie felt a slight glimmer of hope. They had a n, they had a purpose. She knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy, but she was willing to fight tooth and nail to protect her pack and ensure that they emerged victorious in the end.


    Xander saw the determination on her face and smiled. ¡°We will face this challenge together, Minnie. You have my support and the support of every member of the pack. We will emerge victorious and stronger than ever.¡±


    Minnie felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew it wasn¡¯t going to be easy, but with Xander by her side, and the unwavering support of her pack, she knew they would get through anything that came their way. But she had another concern.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it is best with less alpha knowledge before going on any n?¡± She asked.


    Xander frowned upon hearing her mention the alpha Mayfair . He knew exactly what wasing into the park and The source was from the current attack that Mayfair did on Kai¡¯s pack. He wasn¡¯t  going to risk it and let Mayfair know if they had any n. As far as Xander was concerned Mayfair cared less about what happened in the park; all he was after was his power thirsty goals.


    ¡°There is no need for that.¡±


    ¡°Okay sure but-,¡± Minnie paused, contemting if she should tell him about what she heard concerning Mayfair . ¡°Is this because of Mayfair ¡®s  recent attitude?*


    Xander smiled, and feigned ignorance. ¡°What recent attitude are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Like his attack on Kai¡¯s men.¡± Minnie stated.


    Xander let out a breath, folding his arms behind him he turned away from her and fixed a hard re on the tree nearby. He had been holding himself for too long and now he was reaching his breaking point. There was nothing he had not done to let Mayfair see that where he was heading to was wrong, every action Mayfair to recently had just put them into constant problems and attack. At the gate post where he was for the past few days he has noticed some strange movement outside their territories and includes a suspect that goes with the enemy and is trying tounch an attack on them.


    Which was the major reason why he was not letting Mayfair know about whatever he nned to do. Mayfair had his own mission and he had his. He was doing this for the sake of the pack and would make sure Justice was brought into light.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about that, I will handle it.¡± He assured me. ¡°Besides, is there no news concerning Catherine and Joni ?¡±


    ¡°Sadly no.¡±


    panic fielded him instantly when he had a response he had feared the worst that something bad might happen to Catherine and Joni . He wasn¡¯t going to lose anyone anymore he Newcastle drill was doing it for the sake of our friend Alexa and he admired her loyalty and the value she ced on our friendship. if only Mayfair could understand that tiny bit of action they wouldn¡¯t be in the fix they were at the point.


    ¡°just make sure you keep an eye out for any unusual urrence and inform me once you see anything remember don¡¯t alert anyone concerning the things you¡¯ve seen.¡± Xander said and Minnie nodded.


    Chaiyer 75.


    Alexa¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. ¡°That¡¯s a great idea! I know there are some herbs that grow near the river that could be helpful.¡±


    Then le¡±t¡¯s go get them!¡± Minnie said, blinking rapidly as she came out of her daze. Leaping to her feet. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure your mother gets the help she needs, until she returns..¡±


    Alexa smiled for the first time in hours. ¡°Thank you so much, Minnie. What would I do without you both?¡±


    Minnie smiled, a sad hint to it but that wasn¡¯t noticed by Alexa who was excited that her mother could actually recover.


    They set off towards the river, Minnie leading the way. As they walked, they talked about their pack and how Mayfair had led an attack on Kai¡¯s pack. Majority of the pack, at least those with senses, believed the bloodshed was totally uncalled for. Mayfair was instigating a war with Kai and when it broke out the people and the ordinary pack members would suffer the terrible bacsh.


    ¡°But there is nothing we can do in our power.¡± Minnie said, brooding in her thoughts.


    ¡°It¡¯s just sad we have someone like that as our Alpha.¡± Alexamented after a while of silence, her face contorted into a. small frown despite the sad fog on her expressions. ¡°Worse off, Catherine  is mated with him.¡±


    Alexa sighed and they both basked in a pregnant silence. Mayfair had never been the perfect one for Cassandra, he actually was, but now he had gone feral and his thirst for power was insatiable.


    Alexa was grateful for the support of Minnie , they got the necessary herbs and Alexa¡¯s mood brightened up a little.


    After gathering the necessary herbs, they settled down to brew the potion. Alexa was nervous about getting the recipe right, but Minnie was patient and encouraging.


    It took several tries before they finally got the potion just right. When they were finished, they looked at each other with pride.


    ¡°This is going to help my mother so much,¡± Alexa said, holding the potion tightly in her paws.


    Mini smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sure it will. Now let¡¯s go.¡±


    Finally, they arrived at Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s house. She was lying inside, weak and weary.


    ¡°Hi, Mom,¡± Alexa whispered, sliding up next to her.


    Her mother looked up, surprised to see her daughter there. ¡°Alexa, what are you doing here? You should be with the pack.¡±


    ¡°I brought something for you,¡± Alexa said, holding up the potion.


    Her mother looked down at it, then backed up at Alexa. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a healing potion,¡± Alexa said. ¡°I made it with the herbs we found by the river.¡±


    Her mother smiled weakly. ¡°Thank you, Alexa. You and your packmates are so kind to me.¡±


    The pack watched as Alexa¡¯s mother drank the potion. At first, nothing seemed to happen. Then gradually, color returned to her cheeks and she seemed to grow stronger.


    ¡°I feel so much better,¡± she said, sitting up. ¡°Thank you, all of you.


    ?????????????????


    Minnie walked into the hospital room with a heavy heart and a sense of dread lingering deep within her. It had been two days since shest saw Alexa¡¯s mother and she had been hoping for the best. However, the moment she saw the frail figure lying in the pack¡¯s hospital bed, she knew something was wrong. As she suspected, the herbs weren¡¯t able to sustain her. It was her responsibility as Alexa¡¯s friend. Catherine  was absent and she had to do everything that she did.


    Alexa¡¯s mother had not been responding well to the treatment, and the once lively and vibrant woman was now barely clinging onto life. It made everyone who knew her have a cloudy heart, Alexa was depressed and sad everyday. She didn¡¯t have any family apart from her mother but now the cruel hands of death want to snatch them away from her. Minnie¡¯s heart was heavy with empathy as she watched Alexa¡¯s mothery there with her eyes closed, lost in her own thoughts. It was a disconcerting sight, and Minnie felt a sense of confusion about how to proceed.


    She approached the bed quietly, taking care not to make any noise that could disturb Alexa¡¯s mother. She leaned in closer and whispered her name, expecting to see a smile or some sort of acknowledgement, but there was none. Her heart race picked as negative thoughts popped in.


    Minnie sat down on the chair beside the bed and took a deep breath before speaking, ¡°How are you feeling today? Have you had anything to eat or drink?¡± But, there was no response. Minnie couldn¡¯t fathom why Alexa¡¯s mother wasn¡¯t responding, even when the lights and sounds of the hospital were making her quite alert. After she was better two days ago, she suddenly slumped the day before and was rushed to the modernized pack hospital to see if there was any way to hold her until Catherine  returns.


    Minnie gazed at Alexa¡¯s mother with a sense of confusion written all over her face. She couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing, it was as if Alexa¡¯s mother was no longer there with them. She could feel her mind racing with so many questions, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there was anything she could do to help improve Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s condition.


    As Minnie sat there by the hospital bed, she felt her heart sinking with every passing moment. She had grown to care for Alexa¡¯s mother, who had been like a second mother to her. It was an overwhelming feeling of sorrow to see such a vibrant and strong woman reduced to this.


    Minnie felt a sense of urgency and panic set in as she pondered what to do. She thought of trying to find the doctor, to inquire about Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s condition, but she didn¡¯t want to leave the room. She seemed to be the only one able to witness things as they were, and she wasn¡¯t willing to miss anything.


    Hours passed as Minnie sat there beside Alexa¡¯s mother. She tried to talk to her, to wake her up, but the only response was silence. Minnie was shaken to her core, and the world felt like it was spiraling out of control.


    As she sat there, the realization hit her that she was in a unique position to support Alexa since she understood what it felt like to lose a loved one. She knew now more than ever that Alexa desperately needed her support if her mother didn¡¯t make it.


    The thought of losing her mother was something that Minnie knew all too well, and she was not prepared to see Alexa go through the same heartache. So, with that in mind, she determinedly decided to stay and wait things out, for until there was a change, she wasn¡¯t going to leave Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s side.


    Minnie¡¯s heart was racing as she rushed towards the pack nurse¡¯s office. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Alexa¡¯s mother and the precious ck flower she needed to recover from her illness. She couldn¡¯t afford to waste any more time, knowing that every second counted.


    When she arrived at the nurse¡¯s office, she pounded on the door with all her might, hoping to catch her attention. Within a matter of seconds, Nurse Sandra answered the door, looking somewhat surprised to see Minnie in such a state.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Minnie? Why are you so flustered?¡± the nurse inquired.


    ¡°It¡¯s Alexa¡¯s mother,¡± Minnie replied, panting heavily. ¡°The doctors say she can¡¯t recover without the ck flower. It¡¯s up to Catherine  to find it, but we don¡¯t know if she¡¯s seeded or not.¡±


    Nurse Sandra¡¯s eyes widened in shock upon hearing this news. She knew how important Alexa¡¯s mother was to her daughter, and so did Minnie. They both shared the same sentiment when it came to the matter.


    Without wasting any further time, Nurse Sandra put on her doctor¡¯s coat, grabbed her medical supplies and followed Minnie back to the pack. They both knew that nothing else mattered except finding that ck flower.


    As they walked, their thoughts focused solely on the sess of Cassandra¡¯s mission. They could only hope that the young warrior had found the flower she was looking for, and was on her way back home.


    When they arrived at the pack, they found Alexa waiting frantically at the entrance. Her eyes were filled with worry and her face was pale with fear. She quickly approached them, her voice trembling with anxiety.


    ¡°Have you heard from Cassandra? Did she find the flower?¡± Alexa asked, her voice choked with emotion.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t heard anything yet, Alexa,¡± Minnie replied, trying to sound reassuring. ¡°But we¡¯re hoping for the best. Catherine  is a skilled warrior. I¡¯m sure she will find what she¡¯s looking for.¡±


    Nurse Sandra nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, we must trust in her abilities. She¡¯s our only hope right now.¡±


    Alexa¡¯s eyes filled with tears as she listened to their words. She knew how much her mother meant to her, and the thought of losing her was unbearable. All they could do now was wait, and hope that Catherine  would return with the ck flower soon.


    As the sun began to set over the pack, the three of them stood there, watching and waiting. They all hoped for the same thing ¨C that Catherine  would bring back the flower and save Alexa¡¯s mother


    Minnie sat beside Alexa on the couch, watching her friend stare nkly ahead. They had just returned from the hospital where they had been told that Alexa¡¯s mother was not responding to treatment as well as they had hoped.

 Leader like him

    ¡°Alexa,¡± Minnie said softly, touching her friend¡¯s arm. ¡°How are you holding up?¡±


    Alexa shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Minnie. I just feel numb. I can¡¯t believe this is happening. Why is this happening?¡±


    Minnie rubbed her friend¡¯s back, allowing her to cry as she needed to. ¡°I wish I had the answers, Alexa. All we can do is be here for you and your family.¡±


    Alexa wiped her tears away and looked at Minnie. ¡°Do you think the ck powder will work?¡±


    Minnie sighed, knowing the seriousness of the situation. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Alexa. But we have to hold onto hope. Your mother is a fighter, and she hase this far. We can¡¯t give up on her now.¡±


    Alexa nodded, but her eyes were still filled with pain. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to lose her, Minnie. She¡¯s my mom. She¡¯s always been there for me.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Minnie took her friend¡¯s hand, holding it tightly. ¡°I know, Alexa. And we¡¯re all here for you. Catherine  and Reagan will be back soon, and we¡¯ll do everything we can to help your mother.¡±


    Alexa managed a small smile, grateful for Minnie¡¯s words. ¡°Thank you, Minnie. You¡¯re a true friend.¡±


    The two sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Minnie was trying to find the right things to say to Alexa, but nothing seemed good enough. She knew that sometimes, all someone needed was a listening ear.


    Finally, Alexa spoke up, her voice quiet. ¡°What do you think will happen if the ck powder doesn¡¯t work? What will I do then?¡±


    Minnie sighed, knowing that these were thoughts that Alexa had probably been struggling with for a while now. ¡°Let¡¯s not think about that right now, Alexa. Let¡¯s hope for the best and cross that bridge if we have to. We¡¯ll all be here for you, no matter what.¡±


    Alexa nodded, but the worry in her eyes did not fade. Before Minnie could say anything else, Sandra, the nurse, walked into the room. ¡°Ms. Alexa, your cousins have arrived with the ck powder. We can administer it now.¡±


    Alexa stood up, her heart beating faster. ¡°Thank you, Sandra. I¡¯lle with you.¡±


    Minnie watched as her friend disappeared down the hall, feeling helpless. She prayed that the ck powder would work and that Alexa¡¯s mother would recover. The waiting was agonizing, and all they could do was hope for the best.


    Hourster, Minnie checked on Alexa, finding her friend asleep in her bed. She whispered a prayer for Alexa¡¯s mother before quietly leaving the room. It was times like these that reminded Minnie how precious life was and how much she valued her friendships. She hugged herself tightly, feeling the weight of the day on her shoulders.


    Minnie slowly walked out of Alexa¡¯s room, trying her best to keep her footsteps quiet so as not to disturb her sleeping friend. As she made her way towards the door, something caught her attention. A sketchbook was lying on the floor, almost hidden under a pile of clothes.


    Curious, Minnie picked it up and flipped through the pages. She saw various drawings- some were of objects, some were of animals, and some were of people. As she got to thest few pages, her eyesnded on a particr drawing.


    It was of a very handsome man- tall with broad shoulders, chiseled jawline, and deep, soulful eyes. He looked remarkably simr to Alexa, and Minnie couldn¡¯t help but wonder who he might be. She toyed with the thought of asking Alexa about it but decided against it, not wanting to pester her friend.


    The next morning, Minnie woke up early, feeling restless. She got dressed and decided to go to the pack clinic to check on Alexa¡¯s mother. When she arrived, she saw Sandra, the nurse in charge of her care.


    ¡°Is there any improvement?¡± Minnie asked, anxiously.


    Sandra shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. She isn¡¯t responding to the treatments. We¡¯re doing our best, but her condition is still critical.¡±


    Minnie felt a lump form in her throat, and she let out a sigh of despair. She knew the stakes were high, and they needed all the help they could get. She had heard that Reagan and Catherine  had gone out to search for a cure, and she couldn¡¯t help but hope they woulde back sessful.


    ¡°Do you want to see her?¡± Sandra asked, sensing how much Minnie needed to be near her friend¡¯s mother.


    Minnie nodded her head and followed Sandra into the room. As she gazed at her lying still on the hospital bed, she felt her heart tug with emotions. She had always known Alexa¡¯s mother, and the thought of possibly losing her was terrifying, both to her and to Alexa. Alexa was just recovering and getting better from the loss of her brother and now her mother was on the line. With the unrest that was happening in the pack Minnie didn¡¯t know what was going on with the men but she knew that the pack was slowly falling apart under the rule of a leader like Mayfair.


    As they walked out of the room, Sandra pointed to a bulletin board. ¡°That¡¯s where we put up updates on the patients¡¯ conditions. You can check there for any news.¡±


    Minnie nodded, her eyes fixed on the board. She spotted a picture of Reagan and Cassandra, and underneath it was a note that read ¡®Search for a cure- Day 3.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t help but pray that they woulde back with something to help her.


    As they walked through the halls back to their room, Sandra offered herfort, ¡°I know it¡¯s tough, but you must stay strong, Minnie. She needs you and Alexa now more than ever.¡±


    Minnie nodded, grateful for Sandra¡¯s support. As they said their goodbyes, Minnie couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of worry and uncertainty. She knew they were running out of time, and they needed a miracle to save Alexa¡¯s mother. But she needed to get some information from Xander, she had seen him at the gate posts a few days back which is surprising , on the night of the attack Minnie didn¡¯t recall seeing him leave the pack. Something was definitely wrong and she needed to find out, maybe he might have other means to save Alexa¡¯s mother.


    ???????????


    Xander paces around the hallways in the gatekeeping post, he was bothered. He saw the bloodshed and how Mayfair had killed Kai¡¯s pack. Kai and his men were nowhere in sight and they knew Kai wouldn¡¯t take it easy on them, not after all his family were killed by a bloody Alpha who wanted nothing other than power.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be bothered about what they would do.¡± The gatekeeper who just returned chimed. ,¡±We can always opt for a peace treaty or frame them up-¡±


    ¡°This is insane. Kai and his men know how insane Mayfair can be, we opted to settle it amicably a few days back but were thrown out. And just a few days after that Mayfair attacked them, it spells something¡¯ already ¡±


    They both signed and returned to plotting and strengthening the territory.


    Xander had just finished talking with the gatekeepers when Minnie approached him. ¡°Hey Xander ,¡± Minnie said as she approached him.


    ¡°Hey Minnie, how can I help you?¡± Xander asked as he looked at her curiously.


    ¡°I wanted to ask you about the attack that Mayfair led,¡± Minnie said. ¡°It didn¡¯t seem fair, and I want to know what happened.¡±


    Xander let out a sigh. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about it too much, Minnie,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure that the pack is protected.¡±


    ¡°But it doesn¡¯t seem right,¡± Minnie protested. ¡°The pack should be led justly, not by someone who is willing to attack his own pack members.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Xander said. ¡°But we need to focus on protecting the pack right now. Speaking of which, have Catherine  and Reagane back yet?¡±


    Minnie shook her head. ¡°No, they haven¡¯t,¡± she said. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    Daniel¡¯s expression turned worried. ¡°I sent them on a scouting mission,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m worried something might have happened to them.¡±


    Minnie felt a pang of fear in her chest. ¡°Do you want me to go look for them?¡± she asked.


    Xander hesitated before nodding. ¡°Yes, that would be helpful,¡± he said. ¡°Just be careful. We don¡¯t know what kind of danger might be out there. Stay for a night and return if there is no news on them. Kai and his men are blinded by rage and I would do anything to eliminate everyone from our pack.¡±


    Minnie nodded determinedly. ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± she promised. ¡°I¡¯ll bring them back safely.¡±


    As Minnie turned to leave, she could see the worry etched deep in Xander¡¯s face. She knew that he was doing his best to protect the pack, but it seemed like the danger was lurking around every corner.


    As she walked away, Minnie wondered what kind of trouble Catherine  and Reagan might have gotten into. She knew that she needed to find them quickly, and she couldn¡¯t afford to waste any time. Alexa¡¯s mother¡¯s recovery depended on her.


    Xander took a deep breath and squared his shoulders as he approached Mayfair , the Alpha of the pack. Mayfair was seated on his throne, looking every bit as imposing as usual. Xander sensed a tense energy in the room, but he knew that this discussion was crucial and he didn¡¯t care how he felt, he just wanted to pass out what he felt to him, not when Catherine and Reagan are still out there.


    ¡°Mayfair ,¡± Xander said, holding Mayfair ¡®s stare.¡±May I speak with you?¡±


    Mayfair gave a curt nod. ¡°Speak.¡±


    Xander hesitated for a moment, casting a nce in the direction of some of the other pack members lingering in the background. But he quickly focused his attention back on Mayfair.


    ¡°I wanted to talk to you about the recent attack on Kai¡¯s pack,¡± Xander said carefully, watching the tiniest and little emotion pass through his face.


    Mayfair ¡®s face hardened at the mention of the incident. ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°I think you made a grave mistake by attacking them without provocation,¡± Xander said firmly, hoping to make Mayfair understand the severity of the situation. ¡°You have put our entire pack in jeopardy.¡±


    Mayfair scoffed. ¡°You think we¡¯re scared of a little retaliation?¡± he sneered. ¡°We are stronger than they are, and they know it. They won¡¯t dare toe at us again.¡±


    ¡°You may be right,¡± Xander conceded, ¡°But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that you acted recklessly. And I¡¯m not just talking about Kai¡¯s pack. You have created a lot of enemies with our actions, and sooner orter, it wille back to haunt us. Not only that, Kai and his men never did a thing to hurt the pack.¡±


    Mayfair ¡®s eyes narrowed. ¡°Are you suggesting that I made a mistake?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m suggesting that you made a mistake,¡± Xander replied firmly. ¡°As your Beta, it is my duty to make sure the pack is safe and secure. And right now, I don¡¯t feel that way.¡±


    Mayfair stood up, his towering frame casting a shadow over Xander. ¡°You think I don¡¯t care about the pack¡¯s safety?¡± he scoffed. ¡°I am the Alpha, I always put the pack first.¡±

 Banished

    ¡°Then you have to think about the repercussions of your actions,¡± Xander retorted. ¡°We cannot continue to act like we are invincible. We¡¯re just asking for trouble.¡±


    Mayfair red at him for a long moment, and Xander felt the air between them thick with tension. Finally, Mayfair spoke.


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing, Xander ,¡± he said, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°And I don¡¯t need you second-guessing me every step of the way. You¡¯re my Beta, not my conscience.¡±


    ¡°And yet someone has to be the voice of reason,¡± Xander replied. ¡°We cannot simply act recklessly and expect everything to be okay.¡±


    Mayfair stepped closer, invading Xander ¡®s space. ¡°You forget who¡¯s in charge here,¡± he said softly, his eyes locking onto Xander ¡®s. ¡°I am the Alpha. What I say goes. And if you can¡¯t handle that, then maybe you¡¯re not cut out to be my Beta.¡±


    Xander straightened his back, refusing to back down. ¡°With all due respect, Alpha, that¡¯s not what this is about. I¡¯m only trying to make sure the pack is safe.¡±


    Mayfair leaned in even closer, his breath hot on Xander ¡®s face. ¡°You overstep your bounds, Xander ,¡± he said, his voice low and threatening. ¡°I won¡¯t tolerate insubordination from anyone, let alone my Beta.¡±


    Xander stood his ground, even as his heart hammered in his chest. The room was silent, apart from Mayfair ¡®s heavy breathing and the sound of his own rapid heartbeat. He knew that he had crossed a line, but he refused to back down.


    After a few moments of tense silence, Mayfair backed away. ¡°Fine,¡± he said, his voice cold. ¡°I¡¯ll consider what you¡¯ve said. But don¡¯t forget your ce, Xander . You serve me, not the other way around.¡±


    Xander nodded, his face betraying none of the fear he felt inside. ¡°Of course, Alpha. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here, to serve you and the pack.¡±


    Mayfair said nothing more, leaving Xander to make his way out of the room, his mind whirling. He knew that he had risked his position as Beta, but he felt as though he had no choice. The pack was at stake, and he refused to sit idly by and watch it crumble.


    Samantha and Joni , both members of Mayfair ¡®s pack, had noticed something peculiar about their beta, Xander . He kept questioning Mayfair ¡®s orders and going against his authority. This didn¡¯t sit well with them, and they decided to confront Mayfair about it. They just heard that he left the throne room after openlyshing out at Mayfair.


    They found Mayfair in his study, poring over several documents. He looked up as they walked in, his piercing gaze settling on them. They both cowered under his intense scrutiny, but Samantha managed to gather her courage and speak up.


    ¡°Alpha, we have noticed that Xander has been questioning your authoritytely. We were wondering why you let him get away with it.¡± Samantha¡¯s voice was shaky, but Joni  stood by her side, giving her strength. ¡°He didn¡¯t submit to your order when we went to attack Kai¡¯s pack.¡±


    Mayfair ¡®s lip curled in distaste at the mention of Xander . ¡°That beta has always been a thorn in my side,¡± he growled. ¡°He thinks he knows better than me, and he¡¯s not afraid to speak his mind.¡±


    ¡°But why do you let him get away with it, Alpha?¡± Joni  asked, eager for an answer. ¡°It is demeaning, but I wonder why you banished Deyer the second he went against yourmand but-¡±


    Mayfair ¡®s eyes zed with anger, his angry fists mmed the table almost breaking it into half. ¡°Who are you to question my decisions, Joni ?¡± he barked. ¡°I am the alpha of this pack, and I will do as I see fit.¡±


    Samantha and Joni  exchanged nces, sensing that Mayfair was getting defensive. They knew they had to tread carefully if they were going to get answers.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We¡¯re not questioning your decisions, Alpha Mayfair ,¡± Samantha said softly. ¡°We¡¯re just curious as to why you¡¯re letting Xander undermine your authority.¡±


    Mayfair took a deep breath, calming down slightly. ¡°Xander may be a thorn in my side, but he is still an important member of this pack. I need him, despite his insubordination.¡±


    ¡°But won¡¯t other pack members see him questioning your authority and think it¡¯s okay to do the same?¡± Joni  pressed. ¡°What kind of example does that set?¡±


    Mayfair bristled. ¡°I am well aware of what I am doing, Joni ,¡± he spat. ¡°I am the alpha, and I know how to run my pack.¡±


    Samantha stepped forward, her blue eyes zing with determination. ¡°We¡¯re not saying you don¡¯t, Alpha,¡± she said firmly. ¡°But we want to understand your reasoning behind letting Xander get away with it. We want to support you and your decisions.¡±


    Mayfair ¡®s expression softened slightly at Samantha¡¯s words. ¡°Very well,¡± he said gruffly. ¡°I let Xander get away with it because he¡¯s a good beta. He¡¯s loyal to the pack, and he¡¯s always looking out for our best interests.¡±


    Actually, Mayfair let him go because in his quest for power the pack¡¯s safety is put on the line. But having someone like Xander who would stand and protect the pack was rare, and for the fact that he took care of Catherine  was also enough to let him go for the meantime.


    ¡°But what about your best interests, Alpha?¡± Joni  pointed out. ¡°If Xander is undermining your authority, how can you effectively lead the pack?¡±


    Mayfair growled deep in his throat, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. ¡°You have a point, Joni ,¡± he muttered. ¡°I will have to address this issue with Xander . He can¡¯t continue to act like he¡¯s in charge.¡±


    Samantha and Joni  nodded in agreement, feeling satisfied that they had at least gotten through to Mayfair a little bit. They knew changing Mayfair ¡®s mind would be no easy feat ¨C he was a ruthless alpha who hated being questioned. But they were determined to try.


    As they left the study, they couldn¡¯t help feeling a sense of unease. Mayfair was a powerful alpha, but if he couldn¡¯t even control his own beta, what did that say about his leadership?


    But they pushed those thoughts aside, knowing that their loyalty to their pack and their alpha would ultimately see them through. They were in this together, and they would do whatever it took to make sure their pack thrived under the Alpha¡¯smand.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I¡¯d sit quiet on this and let him disrespect Mayfair. ¡± Joni  said as soon as they were out of ear-shots.


    ¡°I won¡¯t either. And if Dryer can be banished, then Mayfair is keeping him by his side-¡± she paused. ¡°Does he hold more importance than us?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the point I was trying to let him see in there. We are the ones by his side, feeling and aiding his actions, we should get some credits not letting t some of a bitch act like he has the pack.¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!