The Bloodlust Alpha - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

4 years later
"Alpha Selene, Ms. Meredith Crestfield is here to see you."
I paused, my fist an inch away from hitting the punching bag. Ragged breaths left me as my chest heaved from the overexertion of my body. Whisks of pale blonde hair clung onto my skin from the sweat coating it. Dropping my posture, I put a hand to my hip and glanced over at the clock on the wall.
6:30 AM.
I've been working out for three hours already.
Noah Jones, my Beta, stood right outside my personal gym. He wore his usual black button down with dark dress pants matching with black dress shoes. With a stack of papers tucked in his arms, he looked at me expectantly. His green eyes shifting to the busted punching bags on the floor before returning to me with amusement. His lips twitched. A small smile threatened to inch across his face but he withheld himself.
Stressed?
He asked in the mind link. A mumble pulled from my lips while I ignored him. Pulling the wraps around my fists off, I stepped away from the punching bag and walked over to the bench where my bottled water was. No doubt about it, I was stressed. Piles and piles of admission requests were coming in all at once. Sure, I had Noah with me to help, but I was the one who had the actual say on who can join and who couldn't. The request rate had risen so high since our pack ranked second best.
Rankings were announced annually, and the Chancellor along with his administration were the ones to decide who placed where. Usually it was population size and fundings that majorly factored into the ranking system, but man-power and international and local alliances were also components.
Grabbing the bottle and twisting the cap open, I lift it to my lips and downed the whole thing. Fresh, cool water quenching my thirst from the overheating of my body gave me a moment of relief. It's been two years since I've officially claimed the Alpha title from Meredith. I underwent intense training to even be considered worthy of the title. Once I proved myself by completing the courses, I changed my last name to Crestfield and took over as her adoptive daughter.
Getting the documents to declare my severance from the Dixon family and the Nightwake pack had been difficult. Not so much because I needed permission as I was already an adult and therefore not reliant on my blood-family's approval, but because it had to be kept under wraps. My identity was a secret we needed to keep.
Normally to withdraw from a pack the wolf needed to gain permission from their current Alpha, but with my special circumstance and Meredith's decision to adopt me as her daughter and heir, the Chancellor had been lenient.
Supposedly there was a clause somewhere that should a member who was on forced temporary pack transfer get hurt, or damaged in any way within the temporary pack they resided in, they'd have the right to leave their original pack without bringing it up to the Alpha for a formal parting. Forced pack transfers were usually for those who were known to be disruptive or possibly one of those in the rare instances which two wolves were dating and suddenly one found his or her mate and they break up. Bitterness was always a lead cause for disruption.
Accepting the Alpha title from Meredith had been exhilarating. The pride and power I felt from the ceremony had reinforced my determination to succeed.
It wasn't, by any means, an easy transition.
I had a handful of challengers trying to take the title from me because they initially saw me as an outsider. A threat. Someone who was from an enemy pack. They hated the thought of someone outside the pack rising as the new Alpha. Ignoring that I was personally handpicked by the current Alpha, herself. But of course, I met those challenges. I met them all and pounded into everyone who came witness to the fight that I was not to be taken lightly.
No mercy, no remorse and absolutely no hesitation.
Anyone who dared to take this from me wouldn't be let off easy. I wasn't going to let everything I worked so hard for go tumbling down because of it. Sighing as I crushed the plastic bottle in my hand, I threw it at the trash and nodded at him. Noah gave me a curt bow before stepping aside to make room. Meredith came strolling in, a smile on her face with a small black box in her hands. Standing gracefully tall with her hair slicked back and an elegant black, knee length dress on, she rose a brow at me. Hazel eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in my tired, sweaty appearance.
"Training so hard this early in the morning?"
I scoffed with a small smile.
"No place I'd rather be."
Meredith hummed in response, looking around the gym before deciding to head toward the bench. She sat down, her knees pressed together with the box gently placed in the middle of her lap. Her eyes fell to me. She looked a little perplexed. Finally, she patted the space beside her.
"Sit with me, Selene."
And I did. I sat beside her, wiping the sweat from my neck with a towel I left on the bench. I tried to ignore how filthy I felt with my sweat making me sticky. My skin still burned from all the blood pumping into me. I was so tired. But it wasn't enough. Pain helped remind me of why I was doing this.
Who I was doing this for.
I couldn't afford to even waste a minute of my time.
"You know you didn't have to get me the house."
Meredith broke, looking pointedly at me. I could see in her eyes that she felt somewhat indebted. The house she was referring to was the one her mate built for her as a gift. Her mate, Kit, had died after being mauled on by rogues. Xeneron's (current leader) father was the leader at the time. He had ordered an attack on their pack years ago but they fought tooth and nail against them. They managed to hold the rogues back before they could burn Greyhound to the ground.
She was nineteen when he passed and met him only a year prior. Losing a mate was something I couldn't begin to understand. I've seen how some would fare after losing their significant other. Some would go crazy while some would manage to mourn but move on with another in their lives. Meredith was neither. She decided against finding someone else, believing it to be betrayal on her part if she did. So she lived a lonely life as Alpha; never having the chance to love another and have kids.
The house he was building was never finished and was under Kit's name. With no will or testament, it was passed down to his brother by default. His brother who sold the house to a family of humans that lived there ever since. Meredith long gave up trying to get the house, not wanting to get mixed up with humans. Only recently was it put up for sale but the moment it did, I bought it. I had Noah keep track on it since Meredith told me the story. I knew, from the very moment I heard of it, I was going to get it for her.
I rolled my eyes and tilted my head to the side with a small smile.
"And you didn't have to help me four years ago"
My smile fell, my face turning serious.
"-but you did."
Meredith went quiet. She tapped her fingers along the edges of the black box rhythmically. She relaxed her shoulders and stared at the wall. Her wolf sadly peeking out as she thought about Kit. It was only in moments like this that she ever lets out her true emotions. As a single Alpha who raised the pack from ashes by herself, she learned to conceal everything she felt inside her. She learned to assume the worst in people and refrained from ever showing even the smallest hint of weakness.
"It isn't like I did it out of the pure goodness of my heart, Selene. I needed an heir. With no child of my own, Greyhound would've fallen apart. In truth, you were a godsend. A godsend with a tragic backstory but a heart made out of gold. A godsend with Alpha traits that's needed to run a pack. A godsend I used for my selfish needs to make sure this pack kept going. Not only that, but you're after rogues. The same rogues that killed my Kit. I trapped you Selene. I didn't help you."
I chuckled at her words. "Godsend" she says. It's funny how now, if people think of the Alpha of the Greyhound pack, Godsend wouldn't be in that list of colorful words they'd describe me with. Granted, they never really met me officially. All they knew were the stories floating around of how I savagely hunted down packs of rogues one by one. Sometimes even stories of defeating Alpha's that got a little too big headed thinking they could come here claiming my territory. Of course that was one hundred percent true.
I was quite the isolate Alpha-- never going out to events unless absolutely needing to.
Which never happened yet.
"And you think what I'm doing is for the sake of purity and good? My want to destroy the rogues and eliminate each and every one of them through the most torturous ways possible? A quick, efficient death simply isn't enough. I want to watch them burn and beg for their lives. The only reason I have the power to do that now is because of you. You gave me the chance. A chance that has many consequences. Consequences that I knew of, but still took."
She still didn't look convinced. With a reassuring smile, I put my hand on her back like she had done to me the first day I met her. My wolf perked up, rubbing her head against Meredith's wolf in attempt to console her. They grew a strong bond to one another as I did with Meredith.
"It was my decision, Meredith. And I don't regret it one bit. I don't care if what you did was because of your selfishness because honestly, I did the same. If you were using me, I was using you. You used me for my bloodline, I used you for the title. We both got what we wanted here but I still got more of the bargain. The house is just a small token of thanks."
Finally, Meredith smiled. She shook her head in amusement and breathed in.
"I may have been the one to rescue you that day, but you saved me."
She whispered to herself. Taking my left hand in hers, she gave me a gentle squeeze before flipping the small box open. Inside was a ring. A green stone in the center with small carvings of flowers in the golden band. An engraved "GH" was on the inner band of the ring.
It was beautifully elegant.
"This is the Greyhound crest."
She explains, taking the ring off the slit. She slowly slid the ring on my middle finger. I found myself surprised to see that it fit perfectly. The green stone shined brightly under the light. It felt empowering to wear it. My wolf feeling overwhelmed but at the same time pride was swelling in her chest. She truly felt like an Alpha, now that she was wearing it.
"I would've given you this a while ago, but... I didn't know whether or not you wanted to continue being Alpha."
She moved the ring around my finger, smiling brightly at the way it fit.
"I had it resized and everything... I would've put it on your ring finger but,"
She peered up through her lashes to give me a sly smirk,
"I'm sure you'll find someone who's willing to slide one on for you in the future."
I snorted reflexively at her insinuation. Meredith has been actively trying to convince me to find someone. She'd send a few profiles of eligible mateless Alphas or Betas who came from oversees every week. Once, she actually brought one to the pack house when I was down in the torture/interrogation room. Imagine the shock on the poor man's face when he saw me coming up from the basement drenched in blood with a butcher's apron around my neck. It's safe to say I've never seen a wolf run that fast in my life.
She was set on the whole "bringing my love life to life", or so she says. She knew of my history with mates and my family. She understands me, to say the least. Or well, she tries to. The only thing she didn't understand was why I didn't want to get involved with someone else. Unlike her, my mate didn't want me. There'd be no betraying on my part if I chose to move on like he did with Hestia.
It's not like I was saving myself for Landon, the man can die for all I care, but I wasn't keen on looking for romance just yet. I wasn't against the idea but now was not the time.
Besides, I doubt anyone would be interested in "The Hellhound".
Ah yes.
My favorite nickname of all.
It was a play on the pack name but also quite scary to the ears. I honestly don't know from which story that one stemmed from, but it caught on. Noah would mess around with it, "accidentally" calling me that when he told his mate, Mailia, about his day right in front of me. I inwardly grimaced when I remembered the pups in the pack retelling the stories they heard from our warriors.
The rogues were so scared!
They saw the Alpha and begged for mercy!
The hellhound is upon us!
As amusing as it was to see pups under the age of seven circling around pack territory calling out Hellhound this, Hellhound that, it actually started getting old really quickly. Sucking in a breath, I gave Meredith an apologetic look.
"Meredith, you know I'm not interested in that sort of stuff right now."
She held her hands up in mock surrender but failed to hide the smile on her face.
"All I'm saying is that you shouldn't be so closed off on the idea. If someone who catches your interest comes along, don't be so quick to shut the door."
With these last words, she got up and set the box on the bench. Without taking another look in my direction she made her way out of the gym.
"Thank you."
I said suddenly, twisting the ring around my finger. Meredith stopped in her step to listen but didn't turn around. She waited quietly for me to finish.
"...For everything."
Meredith turned over her shoulder, a warm smile gracing her face as she stared at me. I always felt such a deep connection to her since the moment I met her. I guess it was because she became somewhat like a mother figure to me. She was always there to push me when I needed the push. Always there to console me when I had those attacks until I learned how to control it.
She was there for everything.
Like Bentley was.
"Your welcome. Oh, by the way, I past by your Gamma on my way here. He seemed a little on edge, mumbling about something. I suggest you go talk to him before the young lad rips his hair out."
Turning back, she walked out of the gym without another glance. I resisted the urge to groan. Isaac getting on edge can only mean it's nothing good. The guy had balls made of steel. He hardly ever let anything get to him. He was as emotionless as a rock when he was in his Gamma mode.
Isaac.
My Gamma.
Bentley's son.
The first thing I did after agreeing to take up Meredith's offer was find him. He was training for his Gamma position, so I knew where he was. He was where everyone went to training. I wondered if the news of Duskfall's demise had gotten to him. My heart bled for the man I didn't know but felt related to. I couldn't even begin to imagine the kind of shock and trauma he'd go through.
I dropped everything on spot to go there. Meredith had encouraged me, personally bringing me there to tie up loose ends before beginning the next chapter of my life. When I arrived at the training grounds, his mentors had said that the news did reach him, but he wasn't taking it well. He'd shut himself in his room for days, not bothering to come out. The mentor's couldn't force him out either so they left food for him outside the door.
Anytime they came back to check, the plate would be gone.
The loss hurt him badly. I expected it to. No one could possibly be okay after receiving news of everything and everyone you loved burning into ashes and you weren't there to help. If he was anything like me, he must've felt responsible. He would've felt guilty.
I remember my first encounter with him perfectly. Every detail of our conversation burned into my mind.
The mentor led me down the hall, the heavy oppression of power weighing me down. The testosterone and aggression filtering through this house was intense. Males who lived here were training to be either a Beta or Gamma, so naturally the aura around the house would be immense.
The female sanction was in another building miles away.
We walked on for a few minutes in silence. His mentor was built up with muscles clearly defined from his thin shirt. A big man who had fought many battles and won many battles from the tattoos riddling his biceps. A warrior at his prime. We stopped in front of a door near the end of the hall. The mentor look at me, eyes a little wary before nodding to the room.
"This is it."
He said roughly. He folded his arms across his chest and sighed heavily. His hard eyes darted to search my face and from the moment it connected, I knew he was having second thoughts about allowing me to see him.
He was worried about Isaac. Almost every trainer was. This was the first time it happened. A lone man training only to hear that his entire pack was wiped out-- Alpha and Luna included. For him, no one could ever understand his pain. He was alone. No family, no pack to return to. All his training to be a Gamma gone to waste because how could he be a Gamma to a pack that no longer existed? He lost everything. His family, friends, pack, purpose.
And the worst part was that he was training in order to be able to protect his pack, yet he wasn't there when they needed him.
He was, in a way, a rogue.
"I have to warn ya, doll face... Isaac hasn't been very"
He made a face. His eyebrows knit together and his lips pulled back in a line,
"kind to people lately. I'll stay out here in case anything happens but um... do be careful."
He moved out of the way. Taking his advice into consideration, I lifted my hand and gently knocked on his door. To my surprise, the moment my knuckles touched the wood, the door creaked open. It wasn't locked. The room was dark. No light lit up the room. I wasn't even sure if anyone was inside until I heard a gruff,
"Get out."
It wasn't a request. It was an order. My wolf instantly growled at the disrespect toward us, but I pushed her down. My human side understood where the hostility came from but my wolf was blinded by her pride. Shaking off any hesitation inside me, I steeled myself and stepped closer.
"I said"
The voice got louder. Harsher.
"Get. Out."
I frowned. His voice was raspy, almost dry. He sounded sick . I had to get through to him somehow but what do I say? How do I start a conversation? I had a million things I wanted to say all at once. I wanted to tell him about Bentley,about how he was like a father to me. I wanted to talk about how he often talked about him like he was the most precious thing in the world. I wanted to tell him I was sorry for being too weak to do anything. To be the only one that survived when literally everyone in that pack deserved to.
I wanted to tell him I understood. To tell him I know he feels.
How losing everything feels.
But all that came from my mouth was,
"I was there."
The silence on his end told me he knew what I was talking about. That he had heard me. Next thing I knew, I heard a thunder of rushed footsteps heading my way. I stayed rooted to my spot when he emerged from the darkness. His dark hair was very similar to Maria's from the pictures I've seen, bluish green eyes identical to Bentley's. He was a handsome man, tall and muscular with a stubble on his face.
Dark circles rimmed around his eyes.
"Who are you?"
He asked hoarsely. I felt, rather than saw him shaking. His voice broke in the tiniest ways. The little tremor from his words as he spoke, the misty eyes he desperately tried to control. The pain was fresh in his heart and I had just added salt to the wound. But I had to tell him.
"I stayed at Duskfall for two months."
I said quietly, feeling the need to explain.
"I- I worked for Bentley. I worked for your dad."
Isaac's eyes widened in realization and before I could even comprehend it, he smiled. A small, almost sad smile curled on his face. His eyes lightened as he took me in from head to toe like I was some mystic being he never believed to exist.
"So you're her."
He said, almost in a daze.
"You're Selene."
My eyebrows shot up in question. The mentor guy who was still standing there watched the exchange with interest. Isaac didn't seem to mind. He was fully aware of the large man standing to the side leaning against the wall, but his focus was on me.
"Dad he- he wrote about you."
Isaac said, clearing his throat after mentioning his father.
"Told me he met someone who got Lila to start talking more. That this 'Selene' was a sweet girl he wanted me to meet."
He laughed quietly to himself, wiping his eyes with the heel of his palm.
"I wish we could've met in other circumstances but I guess I'll take what I can."
Isaac hung his head low. No doubt feeling everything all over again. Cautiously, I reached out to touch his face. Isaac froze, body tensing under my touch but didn't make a move to push me away. So as gently as I could, I slid my hand over the back of his neck and pulled him down. I pulled him lower and lower until his head was resting on my shoulder,
"I'm so sorry."
I whispered.
"Bentley changed my life. He and Lila and everyone in the pack gave me purpose but I- I couldn't do anything to help. I couldn't even save Lila. I'm so sorry, Isaac. I failed everyone. I'm so, so, so sorry."
Each word got remotely deeper and deeper. All the emotions I was trying to bury slipping through my mask of indifference. Isaac remained quietly still in my embrace. I didn't notice his trainer had left, giving us a moment of privacy. Isaac still didn't say anything but he slowly wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer as something warm began to drip down my shoulder.
"My dad... did he- did he ever talk about me?"
A short laugh left me. Fragments of my memories flashing through my mind.
"All the time."
"Was he... proud?"
Pulling from his hold, I cupped his cheeks in my hands and smiled.
"Always."
Once Isaac had calmed down, he let me in his room. He apologized for the mess. "The mess" being the torn papers scattered all over the floor, ripped clothes, broken bed, and holed walls with the size of a fist. We sat on his couch which was the only piece of furniture that didn't meet his wrath besides the framed photos of his family. Lila was in one of them. She was staring down, her little legs bent as she squatted to stare at the sunflower growing from the ground.
"We took that last year."
Isaac explained, noticing what caught my attention. I nodded and tore my gaze away. My wolf whimpered at the thought of the little girl and slinked back into the corner of my mind. Isaac sat beside me, his body once more hunched over with grief.
"Where are you staying now?"
He suddenly asked me. I glanced over to him before staring at the ground.
"Greyhound."
I felt him flinch at the name. Greyhound and Duskfall were not allies but they weren't exactly enemies. For the most part, they were civil. They just had different views on things. Duskfall believed in voluntary training whereas Greyhound believed in mandatory training. This meant that in Duskfall, wolves weren't required to undergo training unless they wanted to apply for positions. The opposite was believed in Greyhound.
"They let you stay there?"
He asked, confusion clearly in his tone. Opposing packs hardly ever took in members from the other. I mumbled a soft 'yes' before staring at him straight in the eyes. It was now or never.
"I want you to join me."
Isaac furrowed his eyebrows together. Confusion set in his rugged features as he shook his head.
"They won't accept me. I'm a Gamma. I trained to be a Gamma, Selene. The current Gamma will feel threatened by me and all hell will break loose. It won't end well."
"The future Alpha just offered you a position, boy."
Our heads whipped to the direction of the door. Meredith stood at the doorway, hands behind her back as she walked toward us. Isaac stood up, bowing his head in respect before lifting his gaze.
"Alpha Crestfield."
He acknowledged. Meredith smiled, nodding for him to take a seat as she got closer. It would seem that her words didn't fully reach him, so she repeated it again.
"Selene will be taking over my position soon, and she needs a Gamma."
She turned to me,
"Isn't that right, Selene?"
I smiled at her. Brining my attention back to Isaac whose eyes were wide with shock, I shrugged.
"I could really use a Gamma. More preferably, you. Only if you want it, if you don't-"
"It'll be my honor."
And then, two years later, I was titled Alpha and I chose him as my Gamma. Just like what happened to me, a few were unhappy with an outsider having a position. But like me, he held his own against the challenges. I had told him why I was doing it. I explained my purpose. I told him I wanted revenge and he more than willingly agreed to help me. He wanted their blood as much as I did.
Standing up, I walked out the gym and noticed that Noah was still waiting outside. He looked at me, a small smile playing on his lips as he dropped his gaze to my ring. He whistled.
"Shiny."
I rolled my eyes and swatted at him with the towel to which he avoided smoothly. He fell into step with me as I walked down the pack house, looking for where Isaac was dawdling around. I couldn't deny that I was getting worried. It wasn't often where Isaac would get so worked up about something. He only ever did if it was something grave or if it was about the rogues.
"Isaac's in your office."
Noah answered my unspoken question suddenly. I said nothing as we turned to my office. Twisting the doorknob open, I caught a whiff of Isaac's scent all around the room. He was pacing, not even noticing us walking in. The look on his face was concerning. It took him a full minute to realize I was standing there. When his eyes met mine, he straightened. All traces of nervousness gone from his expression, but I knew better.
"What's going on?"
I deadpanned. Isaac glanced over at Noah before swallowing,
"They caught rogues. Two of them. The Chancellor is calling for a meeting involving all Alpha's to decide what to do with them."
I soaked in his words, feeling slight dread come over me. All Alpha's, huh? I knew this day was coming. The day where I'd have to see them again. To face the people who tore me down and forced me into who I am today.
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation. Of fucking course. Looking at Noah, I mind linked him to get the car ready. A room full of Alphas is a room full of aggressive tension that could easily break if one were to say the wrong thing. Noah excused himself, already beginning to prepare for tomorrow. When he closed the door shut, Isaac scowled at the floor.
"It's them, Selene."
Isaac's gaze hardened as fire swirled in the thick of his emotions. His fists clenched, veins adorning his skin.
"Fio and Val. They were caught."
Landon's Pov
My eyes snapped open. My heart pounding out of my chest as I sat up in panic. My hands balled around the thick blanket over my legs and yanked it off in frustration. I wasn't surprised to find it soaking from the sweat pouring out of me. My hands were shaking, body trembling from my nightmare.
It happened again.
I had that same, fucking nightmare.
And the subject of the said nightmare was the same as usual.
My mate.
Selene.
I sighed, running my hands down my face and hunched over the bed. This was the second week since I started getting these nightmares. It was always the same thing. I would see her face twisting in pain. The night when we found out we were mates, the face she made of excitement and happiness before turning to one of grief when I said those words to her.
I won't accept you, Selene.
I never will.
I cringed at the face she made. The look of pure devastation as her heart broke. I felt it within me. Our bond resisting the pain I knowingly inflicted on her. Those pale blue eyes glazing over with tears caused by me. The way her body shook when we severed our bonds, then the way she turned back in the van and met my eyes while I held onto Hestia.
A flare of anger brewed inside me.
I threw my head back, eyes shut in attempt to calm myself. It was four years ago. Four years since I last saw my Moon Given gift. Four years since I broke her little heart for her sister.
The sister who found her mate three weeks ago.
Growling in aggravation, I pounded my fist against the bed. The bed I now slept alone in. Hestia, since finding her mate, decided to sleep separately in a guest room. She "wanted time to think" about what to do with her mate. The thought angered me. She was hesitating in rejecting her mate for me when I didn't even falter in rejecting mine. Not even when it was her own sister.
Hestia was my wife, she bore my mark, held the title as Luna and most importantly, carries my pup.
And she has the nerve to 'need time to think'?
I couldn't help but think about Selene being in her position. How Selene would've looked with my mark, the Luna title and lastly, carrying my pup. A ghost of a smile spread across my lips. She would've been a good mother. Selene always did love pups. She had a maternal instinct in her that Luna's typically had.
When Hestia found out she was pregnant, I was ecstatic. I was going to be a dad, I'd have my future Alpha in my arms, but she didnt share that view. Hestia was frightened, even considering abortion. She claimed she was too young, at twenty-two, to have a child.
My wolf was enraged at the fact she even considered abortion. Not that he ever really liked her in the first place. He was always against my relationship with Hestia since the very start. He only ever wanted his mate, Selene.
Now that was impossible.
I couldn't feel her anymore. Not after the night of Duskfall's ruin. I remember how frantically she was trying to reach me, and in spite, I marked Hestia. Hestia was already getting annoyed at my refusal to mark her. I waited a good two months to do it. Frankly, I still thought it was too early. I didn't want to have any regrets but feeling Selene coaxing me to talk to her frustrated me.
It frustrated me to think that I was so close into giving in that night.
So to convince myself she had no control over me, I marked her sister and mated her the same minute.
That was when the bond stopped.
I wasn't sure if she died. Most people said she did--her parents said she did. They too, couldn't feel the bond. I always wondered why they treated Selene the way they did. It had to be more than simple favoritism. It didn't make any sense but I never bothered to question it. Hestia always had my attention since day one. She was the prettiest girl in the pack, the most popular, friendly, kind-
She was everything her wallflower sister wasn't.
Granted, Selene was also beautiful,but her beauty was overshadowed by her sister's.
Anyone would've done the same. They would've gladly chosen Hestia over Selene. I know it's selfish but its my life. I should be able to choose who I want and in that moment, I wanted Hestia. But there was always that small part of me that wondered what life would've been like with Selene. Had I not chosen Hestia and given in to the mate bond, would me life be any different?Would we have pups right now? Four? Three?
Would we have been happy?
A knock on the door snapped me from my thoughts. I was being foolish. The past was the past and nothing could be done now. Grabbing a shirt from the floor, I slid it on and walked over to answer it. I opened it to find Beta Benicio, Hestia and Selene's father, standing outside.
"Alpha, we have a message from the Chancellor."
My face hardened. The Chancellor? What could he possibly want?
"What is it?"
Beta Benicio looked around cautiously before answering in mind link.
Two rogues were caught. Apparently they're both high in rank. The Chancellor is calling upon all Alpha's to decide what to do with them. He wants everyone to go to the Capital, tonight.
My eyebrows rose at his words.
All Alphas? Including the Hellhound and ?
Beta Benicio grimaced at the names and nodded. The Hellhound was quite infamous. From tales of how she mercilessly hunted down rogues to viciously cutting down Alpha's who tried to challenge her, she became a myth.
A legend.
No one has ever seen her but we all knew she existed.
The only thing they knew was that she was Alpha Crestfield's daughter, the new Alpha of the Greyhound pack.
The Hellhound never went to social events, not even the annual Gala's. Usually, it would've been a sign of disrespect to all Alpha's who attended but no one dared to call her out on it. That was the kind of fear that'll strike in anyone when this person is the leader of the second most powerful pack.
Not even I would try to cross her.
was in a similar boat. Mysterious but ridiculous strong. I've only seen him once in my life, and it was during a challenge for his territory. I was only fifteen at the time, my father wanted to bring me along to show me what a "true Alpha" was like. was a year older than me, but he looked mature. He looked experienced in battles. He killed a man thrice his age without even a sign of regret. Snapped his neck off his shoulders with blood spluttering out like a damned fountain.
That was the last time someone tried to challenge him.
I sighed, nodding at Beta Benicio. The two most deadliest of Alpha's in the same room. This was going to be a hell hole.
I straightened my tie, giving myself a once over in the mirror when the door pulled open. Hestia came in wearing a light blue dress showing off her curves and slight baby bump. She 'agreed' to attend the party with me because of her title, but it was mostly me pressuring her to attend. She was afraid of the Alphas going to be there and vocally told me she'd rather stay home. I had to use my Alpha command on her to finally get her into going. As much as I would've loved to leave her home, going to the meeting without my Luna would raise unwanted eyebrows to question my authority.
We were already at the Capital, staying at one of the guest rooms the Chancellor gave every Alpha pair. We weren't staying the night but we did need to take a few hours rest since arriving earlier this day. The meeting was going to take place in thirty minutes. I already felt tense with tension. Coming face to face with men and woman who wanted more land to themselves. It wouldn't be a surprise if one of them issued a challenge to an Alpha. It usually happened during these meetings because they'd all take the time to survey the competition.
I would have to be very careful in controlling my emotions. Anything can go wrong in a room full of Alphas.
"Alpha, it's time."
Beta Benicio was dressed in his own suit looking sharp for the meeting. Typically, the Alpha, Luna and Beta were permitted in the room. Though the Luna and Beta didn't have a say, they were allowed to take a seat inside. It was a sign of respect more than it was a sign or equality among ranks.
Taking Hestia's hand who loosely let me hold it, I forced down my frustration with her and walked down the hall. I could already feel the power radiate from the Alphas a few doors down. Hestia trembled, feeling oppressed by the pressure suddenly weighing her down. She wouldn't be able to handle staying in that room. With a frustrated sigh, I squeezed her hand and dragged her to the conference room. When we stepped in, seven of the ten Alpha's were already inside. All male. Their mates were in the back of the room, conversing among themselves with the Beta's beside them.
It looks like the Hellhound nor has yet to arrive.
Recognizing the familiar faces of Alpha Reynolds and Alpha Sei, I greeted them with Hestia falling short behind me. She kept her head down, clearly affected by the aura the Alpha's were giving out.
Lift your head, Hestia.
I mind linked her. She raised her head an inch before looking down once more in submission. My wolf snarled in annoyance, hating how weak Hestia was making herself look. As the Luna, bowing her head meant showing weakness. She was embarrassing not only herself but the pack. She held the Luna title yet she wasn't acting like one.
"Ah, Alpha Walker. It's been a while. I see you brought your mate?"
My smile wavered but I quickly masked it with a laugh.
"Yes, I did. I see yours is making herself acquainted with the other Luna's. Hestia darling, why don't you join them? Make some friends for yourself?"
Hestia nodded, looking relieved and quickly walked her way to the group of women huddled around in the corner. Once she was out of sight, I felt a gush of air leave me.
"So I hear the Hellhound is coming."
Said Alpha Sei, folding his arms across his chest.
"Apparently so. Haven't seen Alpha Crestfield since they suddenly announced Meredith Crestfield in stepping down. I didn't even know she had a daughter."
Alpha Reynolds added. Alpha Sei hummed in agreement, looking at the seats. The round table had eleven seats in total. One at the very end of the oval where the Chancellor would sit and then five on each side. The first and second ranking pack leaders would sit at his sides. The first being , Alpha Locksworth, would sit at his right. The second, being the Hellhound, Alpha Crestfield, would sit on his left. The rest would follow suit in order.
My pack was ranked sixth. I frowned. When my father was Alpha, he ranked fourth.
Alpha Reynolds' eyes scanned the other Alphas in the other side of the room. His hard gaze zeroing on Alpha Windril who was walking our way.
"Great, the sexist pig is heading this way."
He mumbled annoyedly. Alpha Windril was a despicable man. He believed that women shouldn't have any power in his pack, that the men were the superior sex and all that women were good for was to indulge in and impregnate. He also didn't believe in the concept of mates, having a harem of his own including his mate.
He had no Luna, no Beta and no Gamma.
He'd rotated other members periodically so no one could stay in one position for too long.
The only one in power was him.
There'd been countless attempts to overthrow him, the Chancellor heading these meetings as the instigator. It would've worked but in order to successfully overthrow an Alpha who hadn't died, breached lupine law or been challenged, the pack in question would've had to cast their votes in.
As it was, they were all terrified of him. They'd been forced into submission and none of them had spoken against their Alpha. As much as the Chancellor would've wanted to cast Windril out, he couldn't. Not when no Lupine laws could've been proven to be breached. Not when his pack didn't vote him out.
Williams may be Chancellor, but even he can't act outside his authority.
As much as I hated to admit it, Alpha Windril was a strong man. Very capable if you look past his very apparent flaws and oversized ego. He ran the pack since he was only seventeen up to now and never let his rank fall.
Until, that is, the Hellhound came around and brought her pack from number eight to number two.
His eldest son, Cade, was accompanying him instead of his mate.
Cade was well over the age of being capable to take over, but the greedy fucker wanted to hold onto his title for as long as he could. From how I see it, Cade was a good man. Nothing like his father. Why he didn't try to challenge him for the title, I didn't know.
"Ah, Alpha Walker, Alpha Sei and of course, Alpha Reynolds."
He smirked as he looked at each and every one of us. His narrowed eyes took us in, no doubt trying to figure us out. His cockiness and arrogance practically seeped into his words.
"It's been far too long. I hate that the only time we ever see each other is when we have these rogue issues."
He shook his head in false disappointment before the sly smile returned once more,
"I heard you talking about the Hellhound. It's a shame isn't coming, but at least we'll see what the big fuss is about with that Greyhound mutt."
Just as Alpha Sei was going to respond, the door pushed open and a hush fell upon us. The Chancellor, Chancellor James Williams, came in. The elderly man held himself up with pride. When it came to respect, he was the one at the very top. Even Alpha Windril acknowledged the man.
"Alphas, take a seat."
Everyone shuffled to sit at their respective seating and stared at the Chancellor who nodded toward the Lunas and Betas.
"Please."
He nodded, a small, encouraging smile on his face. Everyone else sat at the back rows, having a good view of the round table. Like we had noticed, the seats at the Chancellor's right and left sides were empty. Neither nor the Hellhound had arrived.
The other seat that was meant for the Duskfall pack was empty, but no one said a word about it. After all, no one talks about a massacre that happened four years ago. For now, the Duskfall territory was put up for dispute. The neighboring packs were arguing about who had the right to claim it and so the dispute was still ongoing. NIghtwake was also close to the territory, but I decided against trying to claim it.
I didn't need a reminder of where Selene had fallen.
"It would appear we're missing some people."
The Chancellor noted, looking a little more amused than aggravated at the empty seats. Alpha Windril seemed to have the opposite reaction. He scoffed, rolling his eyes as he sank back in his seat. He ranked third, which frustrated him beyond words could describe. After all, he was bested against a woman he held little regard about.
" not appearing is old news, but see this? This is what happens when women are ranked. They get bigheaded. The whore probably spread her legs to get to the top-"
The door slammed open, a new wave of power emitting from the source. Everyone's eyes snapped to the person standing at the doorway. Thick, heavy silence coating over everyone. I didn't turn to look, forcing my gaze to remain on the Chancellor as a means of respect but no one else other than Alpha Windril's son, Cade, followed our example. Alpha Windril himself looked awestruck, his gaze following the figure like a magnet.
The clicking of heels resonated through the room and it was enough to let me know she was here.
The Hellhound was here.
The Betas and Lunas sitting at the back were watching in awe as a woman, tall, blonde and insanely beautiful took her rightful seat at the Chancellor's left. She ignored the silence and heated gazes she carried with her and looked at the man she was accompanied with.
I felt a pang of jealousy burn through me.
My wolf, growling but at the same time barking in excitement.
What the hell was going on?
I looked over to see Hestia and Beta Benicio's faces pale as a ghost, bodies frigid in tension. Seriously, what the fuck? Letting my curiosity get the better of me, I looked at the Hellhound once more. Creamy skin, flawless of any blemishes, plump lips painted with dark red, eyes with long lashes hooding pale blue eyes, light blonde hair tied into a ponytail. I didn't even notice what she was wearing until now. She wore a black dress reaching her knees, her shoulders exposed and allowing every male here to see she was unmarked.
Such a beauty was unmarked.
I couldn't get rid of the feeling I knew her. It was possible I've seen her in the annual Gala, but her scent was something I knew. Something very familiar. There were only a handful of people I knew who had her characteristics, one of which was Hestia and the other was dead.
"I'm glad to see you made it."
The Chancellor said amusedly. Alpha Crestfield smiled; a small, humorless, snide smile. She leaned against her chair, hands on the table folded to show off her red painted nails and her green, Greyhound crest ring. A ring I wore myself, except different as it was for Nightwake.
"I was beginning to worry we'd have to start without you. I know you have a busy schedule."
He continued, looking at the other Alpha's with a smile never meaning to fade. His brown eyes fell to me and lingered before turning back to Alpha Crestfield.
"Isn't that right, Selene?"
Selene (when she was heading to the conference)
The sound of my heels clicking against the marble floor echoed as we walked down the hallway. Each step I took held the aggravation I was feeling. Noah followed behind me, matching my emotions as he, himself felt rather annoyed we were running late.
Annoyingly enough, just as I was about to head out for the conference, one rogue was caught trying to survey around my territory.
Of course, I made sure to oversee the capture myself. I wouldn't let any of my pack members deal with a rogue unsupervised. Rogues were vicious, untamed, and they surely would have no problem doing anything they could to get out of restraints. Isaac was the one I entrusted in keeping him locked up. Surely he was having fun with roughening him up a little.
A smile graced my lips at the look on his face. The rogue was someone I didn't recognize, but I was certain he came from Xeneron's group. The little shit had his imprint on his arm. Striding to the conference room, I picked up a booming voice straining through the wooden door.
" not appearing is old news, but see this? This is what happens when women are ranked. They get bigheaded. The whore probably spread her legs to get to the top-"
My eyebrows pressed together in anger before I slammed the door open, not caring that it's hinges loosened. Immediately, my gaze fell onto the prick whose mouth was wide open and spouting all that nonsense. The man was thick with muscles, his power oozed off him like cologne, but it was more of a scare factor than it was reliable. Ignoring the piercing gazes from everyone in the room, I caught three familiar scents.
Benicio, Hestia and Landon.
I nearly scowled at the mental images of their faces flashing in my mind. I refused to look at them. They didn't deserve the time. Disgust flowed through my body like a tidal wave. My wolf snarled, canines bared out as she paced around in my head out of outrage. As I trained my body, she trained with me. She was so much more than she was before. She had learned to control her emotions which was hard for a wolf, to understand the situation a lot more closely and accept what our reality was.
She finally understood the fact that our mate had been the one to abandon us. That he had rejected our existence and chosen to let us die.
I held myself high. All seven Alphas were watching me with the intention of evaluating my capability. Nothing less than I expected. Chancellor Williams sat at the center, watching with great interest as I made my way to his left side. The only other missing spots were that of the Duskfall pack and Alpha Locksworth.
My eyes lingered at the seat Alpha Thompson would've taken but tore my gaze away before I could feel any more than I already did. Pulling the chair back, I sat beside Chancellor Williams.
"I'm glad to see you made it."
He said. The lightness in his voice was clear. I plastered a smile on my face and leaned against the chair. My intertwined hands laid on the surface in front of me, showcasing my ring so that none of the Alphas would question who I was.
"I was beginning to worry we'd have to start without you. I know you have a busy schedule."
His gaze swept through the table of Alphas, landing on someone briefly before he parts his lips.
"Isn't that right, Selene?"
I felt my lips twitch. The old geezer was having fun with this. Well played, Williams, well played. I felt the three pairs of eyes burn into me. The one sitting a seat from me, prickling me the most. His power grew but just barely. He had the same presence to him as he always did. The presence I desperately wanted in the past but now live to forget. I let out a small breath.
"Of course, which is why we should start this as quickly as we can. I won't waste your time, so let me get to the point: The rogues. I want them."
Silence.
Chancellor Williams was the first to break the tension. He laughed, his wise, crinkling eyes narrowing as he threw his head back. His body shook with laughter.
"Always so straight to the point but I'm glad you want them. I was planning on having you handle them in first place. After all,"
He leaned toward the table, eyes going cold. All traces of his earlier playfulness gone. His hatred for rogues clear in his glassy dark eyes.
"When have you ever failed to break a rogue?"
My wolf shook her fur out at the compliment. She enjoyed the praise of the Chancellor and wagged her tail in appreciation. Dealing with rogues was a specialty of mine.
"I never did."
I said simply.
"But you already know that."
Chancellor Williams held my gaze as our smirks widened in silent understanding. The others in the room were visibly tense from our exchange. I guess I just confirmed their suspicions about me including all the stories that reached them.
"Hold on, hold on."
My eyebrows rose at the new voice interrupting. The same annoying voice that dared to question my value just moments before.
"You're gonna let her take the rogues? This- this woman?"
He gestured toward me with clear disgust. This heathen was getting on my nerves. My wolf was ready to issue a challenge but I held her back. Insinuating a challenge right from the first meeting won't leave a good impression on the Alphas I want an alliance with. Taking a deep breath in, I kept my lips tight and observed.
"Alpha Windril, you must know of Alpha Crestfield's reputation. She's more than capable of handling these rogues. She's been in charge of interrogation for the past two years, this is no different."
The Chancellor paused and glanced at everyone genially,
"I called forth this meeting to assure that everyone was in agreement of passing them over to Alpha Crestfield. Objections will be heard as long as it's in the space of questioning her capabilities."
He rose a brow,
"So forgive me if I refuse to acknowledge your protest in regards to her gender."
Alpha Windril's expression darkened. His beady eyes turning black as he was shifting. Strands of brown fur started ripping through his skin. Immediately the other Alphas stood up, alert and ready to restrain him. Chancellor Williams and I were the only ones who stayed seated.
"You let this whore handle such an important task? Are you mad, Williams?"
Chancellor Williams growled, noting the disrespect from Alpha Windril. I glared at the Alpha, feeling my claws itching with need to sink them into his skin. We heard a faint growl surface from the corner of the room. My eyes drifted toward the source to see Noah shaking, his eyes flickering between black and green. His wolf was ready to go out in order to protect his Alpha's honor. Alpha Windril's black marble eyes laid on Noah, face scrutinizing the Beta.
He was ready to fight him for the disrespect.
"Drop your stance, pup. I'll put you down faster than you can even blink."
He growled, taunting Noah into starting the fight. The last string of my restraint snapped. He no longer directed his attention to me but to my Beta. And that was something I wouldn't permit.
"Are you challenging me, Alpha Windril?
I asked, pure rage coursing through my veins from the threat underlying his tone against my Beta.
No one threatens my pack.
No one.
Alpha Windril's gaze met mine and a toothy grin inched across his face. The smugness radiating off him almost making me choke on my desire to plummet him to death.
"I'm not challenging anyone, darling. I'm only stating facts. You aren't fit to stand with us."
He opened his arms to refer to the male Alphas sitting at our table.
"You should go ahead and let your mate take care of you. Actually, seeing as your neck isn't marked, you haven't met yours yet."
He tiled his head to the side coyly,
"How about you come over to my pack? I'll take good care of ya. You'd make a wonderful addition to my toys."
His words unburied unwanted memories deep in my heart. The people who forced me into what I am now sitting just a few feet away from me. I grit down, turning my gaze to Chancellor Williams. Faking my composure, I laughed sardonically.
"I believe this is a challenge, Chancellor Williams. Am I wrong?"
Chancellor Williams shifted his gaze toward me, his shoulders tense from the irritation by the man stirring up all this trouble. He smiled tightly before nodding.
"No, I believe you're right. It would appear that Alpha Windril is challenging your position."
No matter how good his poker face was, I still could see through him. He was more than acceptive of what I was about to do. I've heard stories of this Alpha Windril before. Unpleasant and infuriating stories to be exact. Some came from Meredith who personally had a bone to pick with the man. Supposedly even then when she was Alpha, he was more than vocal about his sexist beliefs. I looked over to the young man standing behind him.
That must've been his son, Cade.
The boy who was nothing like his father, or so Meredith says. Without thinking much of it, I rested my head on my propped arm and let my gaze burn through the arrogant Alpha in front. He was not going to escape me today. I'll do the world a favor and reduce the number of ignorant fools walking this Earth by one.
"It's only right we go through with the challenge. My honor is being questioned. I have the right to defend myself. So before we continue our conversation, why don't we settle this like the Alphas we are?"
I smiled, daring him to object. I knew I baited him the moment his dark eyes narrowed into slits at my taunt.
"Alpha Windril?"
The Alpha pierced his gaze at me and snarled. He probably didn't see the point in fighting because he was so convinced he would win. That only managed to fuel my desire to skin him alive in front of everyone so that no one else will so much as think about questioning my legitimacy. Standing, I stared straight at him.
"Chancellor Williams, I take it that you'll be our umpire?"
Chancellor Williams pushed his seat away and stood. He looked between Alpha Windril and I before nodding. Fixing his suit jacket he straightened up and pulled on his cuffs.
"Of course, Selene. Gentlemen, shall we take this outside?"
He asked the group of Alphas who looked more than curious as to what will happen. Quickly, everyone got up and started to head toward the exit. I walked behind the Chancellor with Alpha Windril following close by. He emitted his energy trying to make me submit only to have his efforts deflected.
My apologies for losing my cool, Alpha.
Noah linked. I glanced behind me to find him frowning. He felt like he was the reason this was happening.
Don't apologize, Noah. This was bound to happen. The prick needs to get off his high horse and face reality. He has little regard about women. We don't need Alphas like him leading a pack.
Noah didn't respond but I knew what I said made him feel better. I felt a tinge of relief wash over me from our bond. As an Alpha, I had a bond with my Beta and Gamma. It was similar to a mate bond but it was purely for business. It was to ensure that we all could work efficiently and compatibly with one another. Being connected would allow us to have a far more intimate understanding of how the other would think. Since the Beta and Gamma were chosen and not passed on through generations, there would be a need to affirm the individual's allegiance.
There were different types of bonds, however.
The bonds between the entire pack and the bonds between the Alpha, Beta and Gamma were different. As the three highest ranking wolves, they needed to have separate links to ensure nothing would accidentally slip in the pack link. Think of it as a private channel only the three could access.
To form a stable bond, you only needed to have a ceremony with a witch, but that bond didn't go deeper than communicative reasons. It didn't create as severe an allegiance nor did it promise loyalty to each other. Many packs chose this bond mainly because many Alphas wanted to separate themselves from being on "equal" standings with his gamma and beta. They believed it would bring them to a lower level than an alpha should. Foolish thinking, but a traditional belief.
They doubted a traitor would ever climb to those rankings so they never second guessed it.
It's what Nightwake believed in.
To form the bond we did, Noah and Isaac had to take a blood oath with me, swearing their loyalty and life to the pack, in turn, binding me to them. The blood oath wasn't something just anyone could do. The Chancellor was the only one who could perform it. Not to mention to it hurt. It was held at a temple near the Capital. One of the many temples built for the Moon Goddess. Roughly a week was taken when setting the bond.
Snapping back to reality, we all walked down the hall and to the large yard outside the Capital. Flat ground of empty space welcoming us. This was the challenge grounds where Alphas would challenge another Alpha over the right of claiming land. The last challenge happened about a decade ago.
had everyone shaking to the core to even consider issuing out a challenge after witnessing his brutal wrath.
"You know how this works, Alphas."
Chancellor Williams boomed, clasping his hands together. He looked at the two of us. Everyone stood at the sideline when Alpha Windril and I stood at the center of the field.
"All is fair on the challenge grounds. The victor shall take over the other's land, claiming the Alpha title. It is up to them to decide what to do with it. The defeated will lose all rights to his or her pack and will have automatically relinquished the title the moment they've been bested. There is not limit. No rules except that the two contestants cannot step out of the challenge grounds. Failing to do so will mean immediate loss."
The entire time Chancellor Williams was speaking, Alpha Windril was staring at me. The cocky, overconfident expression on his face never leaving as he stripped off his shirt. I kept myself calm, showing him how his attempt to display his power had no effect on me. If he thought he could intimidate me with a showcase of his muscles, then he's underestimating the threat of rogues. I've seen and dealt with rogues far stronger in terms of will. Rogues don't care if the opponent is Alpha or insanely strong, they'll still fight. They'll observe and assess the opponent but they'll never run away. It was always a fight to the death with them.
"I'll have fun making you submit to me. Once I take over your land and your people, I'll earn my rightful place back. I'll have more women for my fill. And you, darling Alpha, will find yourself in a new position"
He walked forward, purposely taking dignified steps to emphasize his power. He walked closer and closer until he was only an inch away. His tall structure loomed over me as he smirked.
"-on your knees with your pretty little mouth wrapped around my cock."
I stayed quiet, my body tensing with such bloodlust I haven't felt in a while. My blood pumped heatedly, my anger mixing in with Noah's but I quickly blocked him out to prevent myself from losing control. Alpha Windril laughed, turning his back and put some distance between us.
"Go on,"
he taunted.
"Be a good little slut and listen to your first order: shift."
I didn't move. I just stood still watching. Alpha Windril sighed, running a hand through his hair before turning to look at where the other Alphas stood.
"It's always the hardheaded ones. Oh well, if you don't want to shift so be it. But there's no way I'm going easy on you."
Again, I said nothing.
"Don't worry, I won't lay a hand on your pretty little face. I still have use for it."
Come on, Williams. Hurry it up.
"Challenge begin."
The moment those words left him, Alpha Windril shifted into his large, brown wolf and dashed over to me. His jaw snapped open, getting closer and closer to biting down on my arm but by the time he was close enough to do it, I had him by the neck. My fingers curled around his throat, nails digging through his fur and hardened skin. I felt warm drops of blood wet my fingers but I didn't stop. He growled, thrashing in my hold but my grip on his neck only tightened the more he did. My wolf snarled in fury. His obscene, disgusting comments echoing in my mind as I tried to control the amount of pressure I applied around his neck.
Tilting my head to the side, I couldn't help but frown in disappointment.
"It would seem I hate you less when you can't talk."
Throwing him to the side, he rolled over before getting up on his paws. He shook his head, trying to get rid of the wooziness making him dizzy. He snarled at me, angry at the fact I had seen his attack coming and tried again. Truly, this was already beginning to look pathetic. Alpha Windril jumped, claws ready to puncture through my skin but he was too slow. I avoided him, lodging my knee deep into his body and successfully broke three of his ribs. He howled, aggravated but hurting.
I could hear the Lunas and Betas chattering to themselves. The Alphas were watching in silence. They knew it was best to watch carefully. Seeing Alphas in action was always an advantage. It'll give you a good image of who they were, what they were capable of and besides, you never know when they'll become your enemy.
It's better to take notes and come prepared.
Having some kind of knowledge about their fighting style always helps.
Alpha Windril limped up, starting to run at me again. All caution thrown to the wind the minute his attention returned to me. His was completely reckless all for the sake of his pride. He didn't think before attacking. He was the fight-now-think-later kind of guy. If, that is, he ever thinks things through.
I didn't wait for him to run for me this time. I dashed to his side, grabbing hold of the fur on his head in one hand before taking my other to his torso with a fist. I felt his bone crack under my hand and smiled in satisfaction. Reeling my hand back, I landed a hit above his stomach, effectively making him bend over in pain. Once he arched his body down, I kneed him in the stomach before pulling the fur of his head up. I angled his neck toward me.
Letting out a snarl of my own, my canines descended: and hovered near his neck. A sign that I could easily tear out his throat. He whined, unable to free himself. It was irritating how much I wanted his blood.
Letting him go, I watched as he coughed out, shifting back to his human form completely naked. He clutched onto his stomach, eyes screwed shut in pain.
"I-I submit."
He groaned out.
So he wouldn't even fight to his death for his pack?
I saw Cade in the corner of my eyes fume in anger. Glaring at his father in pure contempt as his fists balled up, he clenched his jaw. He just watched his spineless father give up the pack. I sighed, walking to the cowering form of Alpha Windril on the ground. I bent over, grabbing hold of his hair and dragged him to the center of the challenge grounds.
Holding him by the scruff, I yanked him up until he was kneeling. His hazy eyes looked at me in confusion. Blood bubbled down the edge of his lips.
"Looks like the only one kneeling between the two of us, is you."
I whispered into his ear. Then, ever so slowly, I tightened my hold. I gripped tighter and tighter until he started choking. No one said a word. Thick tension came over us.
"W-what are you- d-d-oing? I submitted."
Alpha Windril choked out, hands frantically grasping at my arm holding his neck up. I smiled at his feeble attempts and leaned down to his ear.
"Didn't you know? A challenge is a deathmatch."
Then without hesitating, I pierced my claws into his chest and ripped out his spine. Blood splutters out of him as his eyes rolled to the back of his skull. His last breath leaving him with his body hunching limp in my hold. I dropped his body to the ground and walked away when it pooled around him. Blood stained my dress and soaked my hand but I didn't mind. Blood spammed into the crevices of my ring. The dark red drilling around the green stone made me frown.
Had it been four year ago, I wouldnt have been able to stomach the sight of this. I learned to embrace the blood I grew accustomed to seeing and drawing out but it didn't mean I liked it.
But I'll make the exception for today.
It was rather personal.
"Now,"
I said when I reached the group of Alphas. Chancellor Williams was smiling wide, eyes lit with amusement. He hated Alpha Windril as much as anyone could but he couldn't kick him out of the Alpha's seat. That was a power no one had unless a challenger had come across. Meredith couldn't risk challenging him when she had no heir in line to succeed her, then. Then she found me.
"Let's get back into the conference room, shall we?"
I turned to the direction of the Capital only to stop when I heard a chuckle.
"No, I don't think there's a need, Selene."
I looked at Chancellor Williams with a quizzical brow lifted. His eyes scanned the group of Alphas once, before turning back to look at me.
"I don't believe there's anyone else who would disagree with letting you handle the rogues. I'd already wished for you to handle it, but needed all the Alphas to agree. The conference was opportunity for those who had an objection to let it be known.... But we do have to discuss what you want to do with Windril's pack, Evergreen."
I exhaled. I almost forgot about that. I let my head crane to the group of huddled Betas and Lunas before landing my eyes on Cade. He met me in the eyes, not flinching away or staring at me in hatred. I motioned to him with my head,
"I don't want it. Give it to the boy. It was rightfully his anyway."
Walking off to where Noah stood with a handkerchief in his hand, I took it gratefully and wiped the blood smudged on my face and hands.
"Shall I send someone to collect the rogues?"
I asked Chancellor Williams. He shook his head and grinned.
"No. I'll have someone send them over to you."
He paused, smirking as he shot me a look of question.
"Will I be seeing you at the Gala next week?"
Walking with Noah trailing behind me, I raised my hand dismissively.
"You can count on it."
Landon's POV
I watched as Selene walked away with the Beta following after her. To say she had left me speechless was an understatement. She left everyone gaping after her disappearing figure.
"May this be a lesson to all of you."
I turned to look at Chancellor Williams who too, was looking after Selene's silhouette.
"Don't mistake her disinterest in gaining more power as weakness. It'll do you well to remember that. Unless of course, you want to end up like him."
He said pointedly looking at the spineless man laying on the ground.
Literally.
Without another word, the Chancellor turned around with his hands behind his back and walked away.
"You're all dismissed."
The tension immediately lifted when the Chancellor and Selene left. I felt my wolf howl in pride, seeing firsthand how capable and strong his mate was. While I, on the other hand, was completely and utterly in shock. Beta Benicio quickly ran over to me with Hestia right behind him.
"W-was that Selene? Our Selene?"
He asked, clearly bothered. I nodded once, my gaze glued to the ground. Then something came over me. Something that urged me to follow her. So I did. I ran down the field, following her scent that was almost completely different from the one I remembered but somehow wholeheartedly the same. I heard the other Alphas speak among themselves about what was going on but I ignored them. Beta Benicio was hot on my trail but I was still faster.
Finally, I caught sight of her.
She was stepping inside her car surrounded by two vans filled with warriors. The man she was with spoke quietly to her in hushed tones. I stopped in my step and waited for her to notice me. She froze, sniffing the air with a confused expression on her face before lifting her gorgeous blue eyes to meet my green ones. Her expression remained the same.
Neither happy nor sad to see me.
Neutral.
"Selene."
I began, slowly beginning to make my way toward her. The man by her side immediately took a stance, aggression rolling off him in waves when Selene lifted her hand up. As soon as she did, the tension had diffused and the man who was so close to lunging at me obediently stepped aside.
"Alpha Walker."
She said in a smooth, strong voice. A voice suited for a Luna's.
A wave of disappointment washed over me as I heard her address me with my title. Not only that, but with my last name. She was indirectly telling me she didn't consider us any more than acquaintances. I shouldn't be surprised but we were mates.
Didn't that count for something?
"W-H-How did you... Where were you? How are you?"
At this, she rose a brow. She was completely unamused, almost dreading my presence for the mere fact she would rather do anything else than be here with me. All the questions and things I wanted to ask and say to her blanked out of me when I soaked her in. She truly was beautiful. She had gotten toned. Her form was much better than before, allowing me to see what good four years of training had done for her. A huge part of me was glad to see she didn't take anyone else. The missing mark on her neck told me so.
But there was still a possibility that she was seeing someone.
A possibility I didn't want to consider.
"Alpha Walker, if you have any business with me, please make an appointment. I don't have time for small talk and pointless little reunions."
Then without even blinking, she pulled the car door shut and waited for the man to climb in with her before driving off. The vans followed suit leaving behind a fog of dust to blur my vision. I watched her drive away for the second time in my life.
But somehow, it felt like I lost something I didn't have.