The Alpha King's Forest

Chapter 4: Birth

Birth is a natural process that marks the beginning of life. It involves the expulsion of a baby from the mother's body. This process occurs in different ways depending on the type of birth, whether it's a natural or cesarean section.

For werewolves when a female becomes pregnant they eat a lot more than the average human mother. This is due to the fact that running burns a considerable amount of calories and requires a significant level of strength. For an Alpha and Luna mother, the amount of food she consumes is even greater. This is because she must also provide additional nourishment to the unborn child. Additionally, she must ensure her own health so that she can provide the best possible environment for her child.

Almost nothing is known about my birth. All that my mother told me was that it was a very special day and I had her in labor most of the night. Though she couldn't be more happy that her first born was finally in the world.

However, looking at my parents' faces and hearing Doctor Kimberly's outburst, that wasn't the case.

"31 years ago, our sister Wanda, the dream mage, came to your mother with a message from Selene herself." Doctor Kimberly began. "She told your mother that the shadow king, who was once your grandmother's lover, fell deeply in love with her and would do anything to have her." "Therefore, he intended to murder your grandfather but Selene had made him invisible with her sister Luna's flower." "Your mother was devastated." Dr. Kimberly continued, "At the same time, hardheaded."

I had to take a deep breath. What Dr. Kimberly says is true. My mother isn't a reasonable parent. She is willing to fight to the death to prove that she is correct. And when she finds out she's wrong, she will never admit it. She'll just make up an excuse or blame someone else. Only my father will listen to reason. And he is the only one that will make my mother see reason.

"But I was young at the time!" My mother cried. "A year later I became pregnant with you and the shadow king caught wind of it." Without looking at her, I grimly asked, "what did you do when he found out?" Dr. Kimberly scoffed. "It's what she didn't do. That's what allowed the shadow king to mark you." "What do you mean?" I asked. " She didn't wait for the second Luna flower to bloom to protect you," Dr. Kimberly replied. "She chose to protect you her way but she was tricked."

"What happened?" I asked, my voice trembling. "The shadow king disguised himself as a witch that promised to protect you faster. And that's how he got his hands on you." Dr. Kimberly explained. "If it wasn't for me and my sister following her he would've kidnapped you and killed you."

My mother reached for my hand but I snatched it away. "Don't!" I shouted. A warning growl escaped my lips. Then I instructed Dr. Kimberly to proceed. "Wanda was able to seal him away in the dream jar before he could do anymore damage." "But he left his mark on your left forearm and that's how he can move in your dreams."

I stared at my left forearm. The shadow king's mark was that tiny skull that grew bigger with time. I knew I needed to find a way to get rid of it. I took a deep breath and vowed to find a way to protect myself and my family. Which pegs the question.

"How did he get free?" I asked. "If he was trapped inside the dream jar, how could he light the fire in the manor?" Dr. Kimberly sighed. "There's only one person that could've set him free but I'm not sure." "I need to check with Wanda first." I nodded my head. "So I guess we'll just have to wait until then," I said. "But what does he want with me?" I asked. Dr. Kimberly gave me a small smile and said, "You and your grandparents are special wolves but that's all I can say for now."

"Okay, but he also said that I had something he wanted." "And I have no idea what he means."

Dr. Kimberly's eyes grew large and her face became serious. Then she glared at my parents. They too became even more tense. "Is there something wrong?" I asked. As my mother began to speak, my father stopped her. "As soon as you get out of the hospital, we need to show you something." He said. My heart sank. I wondered what it could be. My parents were silent as they both stared at me. Dr. Kimberly broke the silence and said, "Give him until the morning to rest up." "Wanda already sent someone to restore the house."

My parents nodded in agreement. They all left the room, leaving me with a lot to think about. Several moments later, Joey walks in. His honey-glazed eyes were enraged, but once he saw my expression his eyes softened. He closes the door behind him and pulls up a chair next to my bed. "So, how are you feeling man?" He asked. I shook my head. "Physically, I'm a little tired." "But mentally, my head is spinning like a whirlpool and I'm honestly at a standstill."

"Malaia," Joey replied. It means damn in Samoan. "What the hell happened?" He asked. So I started explaining everything to him. And he was too speechless to say anything for awhile. Then after a moment he said, "you know, when we went to that club that's when the fire started too." I raised an eyebrow. "So?" I asked. "So, what if the two situations were connected?" Joey asked. I thought about it for a moment then said, "It's possible," I said. "But first, I need to know what my parents want to show me."

Joey nodded. "I'll come with you when you get out of the hospital." "And I'll make sure Kevin and the others are there too." Then he stared at me. "What?" I asked. "I was wondering if they ever told you why you had silver hair." He replied. I shook my head no. And touched my hair. Ever since I can remember, I have always had silver hair. I tried dying it but it would turn right back to silver. And I never knew why. I sat there for a moment. "Maybe someone can answer that question for us."

After pressing the help button, I was able to call Dr. Kimberly.Still looking annoyed, she entered. "You called me?" she asked. She waves at Joey. I see Joey blush and wave back. "She's beautiful," Joey says telepathically. "Do you think she's married?" I rolled my eyes. "Focus!" I snapped. Dr. Kimberly giggles. "Yes I'm married Joey," she says. "And I'm a lot older than I look." Joey blushed even harder.

Dr. Kimberly laughed again. "Cute. But is there a reason why you called?" She asked. "Yes," I replied. "Can you tell me why my hair is silver?" "My brothers and sisters have hair color like my mother and father. However, I'm the only one with silver hair."

Dr. Kimberly smiled at me. "It's funny. I was just talking to your parents about that." My eyes widen. "What did they say?" I wondered. "I told them that as soon as the time is right, they will have to tell you about that." Dr. Kimberly answered. I nodded. Though I was still in disbelief. I know parents hide things from their children. But I never thought they would keep something as big as this from me. I guess I'll have to wait to find out.

Dr. Kimberly kicked Joey out of the room so I could rest. Balto was extremely agitated for some reason and paced back and forth in my mind. "What's up?" I asked. As he stressed, "I could be wrong, but when we were at the club, I felt someone." "Like who?" I asked. "I'm not sure." He answered. "If it wasn't for the smoke, I probably would've told you to check it out and see." I nodded in agreement. "I'll keep my eyes open if I ever feel like that again." I said. "Thanks." Balto replied. "But for now, let's get some sleep," I said.

As I dreamt I had the strangest dream. I was in a black void. Completely naked. It was cold and bleak. I stood up and looked around. I was alone. I called out but no answer. Balto was so far away that I didn't even feel him! A sense of dread washed over me. Suddenly, I felt something watching me. I slowly turned around and saw a large creature standing before me! He had the same red eyes as the shadow man. It was covered in fur. It felt like a wolf but it wasn't. I stepped back but stayed ready if it attacked.

I looked at the creature as it stared at me.Slowly, I backed away, my heart pounding. Then it showed its sharp fangs. And growled like a savage dog. "Give it to me," the creature bellowed. "What?" I cried. The creature growled again. This time it attacked! Swiftly ducking, I kicked the beast in the face with a knee high kick! He went down but he's not out. I just made him angry. He shakes off my attack and stands up, growling angrily. I take a deep breath, ready for round two.

The two of us began charging at each other until a ray of light fell between us. "Balto?" I cried out. "Not exactly." Answered a voice. A figure emerged from the light. It was a beautiful woman with long flowing white hair. She wore a midnight blue lace gown with a cape. It was embellished with small diamonds and pearls that sparkled like stars in the night sky. Once the light disappeared I saw her face fully and I was astonished. There was a gorgeous blue gleam in her eyes, as well as russet tones on her skin. She smiled at me and turned towards the creature.

She spoke in a strange language that I couldn't understand. The creature responded in the same language. "He's pathetic," she said. With a wave of her hand a collar emerged around the monster's neck. Despite his displeasure, he didn't resist much. "You now belong to me, understand?" She patted him on the head before turning away. She faces me again and asks, "are you OK Wyatt?" I nod slowly but still confused about what's going on.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I apologize. Where are my manners?" she asks softly. "I'm Wanda. I'm the dream mage." "This guy right here is what we call a nightmare spirit."

"What's that?" I asked.

"Before I answer that," she began, "Why don't I take us out of this dark space?" With a snap of her finger, the dark space turned into starry clouds. I was fully dressed and she motioned me to sit down in the cloudy chair she made. "Now, the answer to the question: a nightmare spirit is a spirit that's summoned by someone evil to do their bidding in a dream." "The spirit is usually very powerful and can cause great harm in a dream. It's often difficult to get rid of a nightmare spirit and it's best to seek help from a professional." She paused for a moment before continuing.

"What is it?" I asked. She shook her head and replied, "It's your mind. I can feel it racing." "But I don't blame you." "You've been hit pretty hard with information left and right."

I nodded at that statement. "It's a lot to take in. I'm trying to process it all." She smiled and said, " Please accept my apology for everything that was thrown at you." "I've tried to get your parents to tell you way before now but they didn't want to so that's why I took precaution to protect you while you were sleeping."

"Even so, I still saw him from time to time." I pointed out. Wanda frowned. "That's only because he had some help." "And that's how he escaped from my dream jar." She explained. "But who helped him?" I asked. "I don't know. I never saw anyone." She replied. " However, I do know that he is powerful," Wanda added. "And whoever helped him they're both now working for her."

That sounds very ominous. I thought. "Who is she?" I asked. "What the hell are they looking for?"

Wanda was about to answer when my dream began to shift. "Uh oh," she says looking around. "What's happening?" I asked. "You're about to wake up," Wanda replied. "But don't worry we'll meet again soon," she added before my dream faded to black. I awoke with a start, feeling confused and disoriented. I took a deep breath and remembered Wanda's words. However, I felt something in my chest.

It didn't feel like pain but it felt warm and fuzzy. I looked down and saw a bright red crystal shining in front of me. I picked it up and it felt warm in my hand. I felt something shift inside of me. I looked up and saw Wanda smiling at me. "Wanda?" I asked. "Yes dear. It's really me." She replied. "And what you're holding there is a crystal that was a part of the holy grail."

"The holy grail?" "That was just a story." I stammered. Wanda shook her head. "Oh no, dear." She then sat on my hospital bed. "The holy grail is very real and it's only a story for humans." Wanda continued to explain that it was a powerful object that had been lost long ago. According to her, many people sought its power. It was made up of 7 rainbow crystals from 7 warriors from the magical realm. And this crystal has been hidden inside me since I was born. "So what am I supposed to do with it now?" I asked. "Protect it." Wanda answered earnestly. "There are only three left."

"But you still haven't told me who's after them," I said. Wanda sighed deeply and had a serious expression on her face. "Her name is Morgana the 14th. She's a descendant of Morgana the first."

I raised an eyebrow, puzzled. She gave me the same look and asked, "you have heard of Morgana haven't you?" I shook my head. "How could you not know King Arthur's sister?"