Love, Fate and Bloodlines

A SHOW OF AUTHORITY

After his conversation with Valeria, Ragnar joined his Beta in the car. He occupied the cozy owner's corner while Jack, the warrior, slid into the passenger seat. As they zoomed off to Blue Moon pack, one of the territories under Ragnar, he closed his eyes and decided to meditate since the serene voice of the human girl blasting over the radio did nothing to mask his otherwise violent thoughts. There has been a case of rebellion in Blue Moon and Ragnar thought of different ways to show his quell it. He was a very territorial individual and he hated when someone stepped on his turf or challenged him-even if it was indirectly. Though the rebels did not challenge him outrightly, they attempted to disobey the Alpha whom he had kept in charge of them. The great war that occurred a few centuries back altered the Realm's order, leaving many packs and covens unstable even after a long time. Though Blackthorn had suffered some casualties, it remained the strongest pack. Due to this, many other packs came to Ragnar for help and he helped them in whichever way he could by installing new leaders after the deaths of the old ones or just giving them money to restore their lives. His journey to the east would reinforce the influence he exerted over such territories. He planned to make a scapegoat out of the rebels.

However, as they took to the road and passed through Vexor city, Ragnar felt his heartbeat quicken and his eyes opened with a start. They were pitch black. A very bad sign.

"Alpha?" Thorned had noticed the shift through the rear mirror.

"Oh no, this isn't good" Jack whispered as he froze to his seat in fear. Alpha energy was no joke. He could feel the power reeling off Ragnar in waves. "What happened?" Jack turned to Thorne for answers.

"I have no idea." he shrugged.

"Stop the car." Ragnar's voice came as a low growly command.

"As you wish, Alpha" Thorne hurriedly found a spot to park and immediately unlocked the door. In a heartbeat, Ragnar stepped out of the black SUV and surveyed the busy area. This was the human district of the realm known as Sunrise City. He could feel a pull, something tugging at his heart.

A sweet-smelling pull. Lavender

Ragnar could feel his wolf getting restless. Mate. It growled within while banging its large head on the walls of Ragnar's consciousness. It wanted control. But the Alpha knew that was something that could not happen-especially on the human side of the realm. But, his restlessness kept growing. He struggled to control his emotions as the world slowed down around him. It felt like the universe was trying to point him in the direction of his destiny. However, no matter how much he tried to understand the whirlpool of his emotions, it went further away from his grasp. The concept of a destined mate seemed impossible to Ragnar because he was believed to lack one. Finding his destined mate would only throw a wedge in his plan and reputation.

"Alpha, Blue Moon pack awaits us." Thorne, who had been watching Ragnar from a few feet approached with caution.

"Do you feel better?" Jack asked with concern in his voice.

"Not exactly" Ragnar shook his head to rid himself of his thoughts as the sweet-smelling scent began to pull back.

"What happened though?" Jack pressed but Raganr knew he could not trust just anybody with his feelings.

"Never mind. Let's stay focused on our mission."

In a few seconds, they all piled into the car and continued their trip. Thorne began driving again but he had some concerns.

"Alpha" he mind-linked Ragnar who snapped his eyes open again and found his Gamma staring directly at him through the rear-view mirror.

"Yes?" Ragnar wished he would not be disturbed. He desperately needed to gather his thoughts which were all over the place.

"What happened earlier? Is it what I think it is?" concern clouded Thorne's eyes. He knew what would be at stake if another woman was thrown into the mix.

"Could be but I am not sure."

"Do you wish to investigate it? If you felt the pull around that part of the city, chances are that she works or lives there."

"Some other time. Meanwhile, keep this a secret tell no one except Kael." Ragnar requested in an authoritative tone. He wanted to bring the discussion to an end. He just wasn't ready to face whatever was out there, waiting for him.

After spending a night at an inter-state inn, they arrived at Blue Moon Pack when the sun was very high in the sky. The Alpha, Maximus was waiting to receive Ragnar at the entrance of the pack house. He was formerly the son of the Beta of the pack. With the former Alpha and his family wiped out during the war, the baton of leadership naturally passed to him. However, rumors of a lost and found son of the former Alpha heralded an incoming coup de' tat. Ragnar never liked Maximus, he thought him spineless. But, he would do all he could to protect his ally. They were business partners after all.

"Alpha Ragnar." Maximus extended his hand for a handshake; his small bow did not escape Ragnar's eyes. There is a difference between a lycan with alpha blood and a beta-turned-alpha.

"Maximus. My dear friend" Ragnar returned the handshake with a couple of back claps. He added a fake laugh for special effects.

"Alpha" Maximus' mate regarded Ragnar with a smile. She was an easygoing she-wolf who would rather raise her pups in peace, away from all the pack drama. "Welcome, how was the trip."

"It was a smooth one, thank you Reneee" Ragnar flashed a smile at the tired-looking female.

Without wasting more time, Maximus led the guests to his office for their meeting while his mate disappeared into the kitchen to prepare some snacks. The office had more light and was less gloomy than Ragnar's in BlackThorn pack. Ragnar, however, found it quite cheesy. While the others made themselves comfortable on the furniture available, Ragnar walked to the liqour table and poured himself a glass. Maximus, who seemed to be walking on eggshells offered to do it but Ragnar simply ignored him, an icy aura enveloping everyone in the room including his Gamma and Warrior.

Ragnar took a long sip from the glass, nodding in satisfaction, savoring the flavor as the rich amber liquid left a warm burn in his throat. He turned to see Maximus fidgeting in his seat, clearly anxious to discuss the recent troubles within his pack. Jack and Thorne who settled on the chairs across him gave him gazes mixed with curiousity and caution.

“Let’s get straight to it, shall we?” Ragnar finally said, after pacing the room, paying a good deal of attention to the lush forest just behind the house. He placed the glass down with a thud. “I hear there’s been some unrest among your ranks.”

Maximus nodded, his brow furrowing. “Yes, it’s been troubling. A group of rebels have been spreading dissent, undermining my authority. They claim the pack deserves better leadership, and whispers of a coup have been circulating.”

“Whispers?” Ragnar raised an eyebrow with a demeaning chuckle. “More like roars, I’d wager. You need to end this before it gets out of hand.”

“I know,” Maximus replied, his voice shaky. “But every time I confront them, they only grow bolder. They question my legitimacy as Alpha, given my… origins.” Spineless

Ragnar leaned back, crossing his arms. He tilted his head, wondering if he made a mistake installing him as Alpha “You’re too soft, Maximus. You need to exhibit strength. Fear can be a tool, but only if you wield it properly.”

Maximus shifted uncomfortably, visibly swallowing “I don’t want to rule through fear. I want to inspire loyalty.”

“That’s idealistic,” Ragnar snapped, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “ But, you have to make a choice: assert your authority or risk losing everything. A wise decision would be the first option.”

Just then, the door swung open, and Renee entered, carrying a tray of snacks. “I thought some refreshments might help ease the tension,” she said cheerfully, oblivious to Ragnar's budding irritation.

Ragnar forced a smile, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. “Thank you, Renee. It’s exactly what we need.” Sarcasm laced his voice but they all missed it. All, except Thorne, who scoffed.

As she placed the tray on the table, Ragnar suddenly caught a whiff of the sweet, tempting scent that had pulled at him earlier. It was faint but unmistakable, mingling with the aroma of the snacks. His heart raced, the wolf within him stirring again. He could not wait to get this whole business over with so he could return to his territory, away from any unwanted surprises.

Little did he know that the surprise would waltz right into his arms and he would have no choice but to accept her.