The White Wolf

Torned Heart

KADE

I sat alone in my room, the weight of the world crushing down on my shoulders. The pain consumed me—every fiber of my being drowning in the emotional torment. It wasn’t just a minor heartache; it was a devastating ache that tore through my chest, leaving me shattered and broken. It felt as if a hole had been carved into my soul, burning deep within, beyond any hope of repair.

Happiness felt like a distant memory, a forgotten echo of a time when I had my mate in my arms. A whole year had passed since I watched her being brutally murdered before my eyes, the memory etched into my mind, haunting me relentlessly. The guilt consumed me, blaming myself for failing to protect her. Her screams echoed endlessly in my thoughts, a relentless reminder of my worthlessness and helplessness. I despised myself, feeling unworthy of being an Alpha, nothing but a hollow shell of my former self.

As an Alpha, I had to be strong for my pack, but it only worsened my pain. I had hardened myself, letting the grief consume me, and my pack felt the consequences. I knew I had become harsh and demanding, but it seemed inevitable. Without my love, I felt like nothing, a broken vessel unable to find solace.

The knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. “Alpha,” Caleb voice broke through the silence.

“What do you want, Caleb ?” I muttered, not bothering to look up.

“Just wondering if you would like dinner,” he replied cautiously, aware of my volatile state.

“I’m not in the mood,” I snapped, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

Caleb , my Beta, stepped forward, his face etched with sympathy. “I know you’ve been missing her, Xavier. We all miss her. The pack misses their Luna, but we miss you too. You haven’t been the same since she passed. We want to be there for you, as a family.”

I couldn’t bear to hear it anymore. The anger surged within me, fueling my rage. “Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” I growled, my fists slamming onto the table with force.

“But—” Caleb started, attempting to reason with me.

“You have no right to come into my room and tell me what I should or shouldn’t do!” I shouted, my voice vibrating through the room. Caleb flinched, and I saw the fear in his eyes as he hastily retreated, leaving me alone with my pent-up emotions.

In my fit of rage, I seized the nearest object on my desk and hurled it against the wall. It shattered into pieces, mirroring the state of my heart. A primal growl escaped my lips as I let the anger, hate, and heartbreak consume me, feeling like a madman lost in the depths of his torment.

Before I could make sense of my actions, I stormed out of my room, charging down the stairs without paying any attention to those around me. I burst out of the pack house, shifting mid-air into my wolf form, allowing the rage to drive me as I ran and ran, seeking an outlet for the overwhelming pain.

Images of my mate’s death flashed through my mind, tormenting me further. The memories replayed like a never-ending nightmare, pushing me deeper into the darkness. I ran until exhaustion overcame me, crashing into a tree with a skid.

“Grr,” I growled, shaking off the dirt and leaves from my fur. “Bloody hell, Storm. Peachy,” I muttered to myself, my frustration mounting. Storm, my wolf companion, nudged my thoughts, sensing my distress.

“Hey, Storm, do you recognize this meadow? It feels unfamiliar,” I thought, searching for answers

Storm sniffed the air, his senses sharp. “We’re still in our pack territory, but there’s an unfamiliar scent lingering here. Something feels off,” he replied, concern laced in his thoughts.

“It’s probably nothing,” I dismissed, my thoughts clouded with my inner turmoil. “We should get back to the pack. It’s getting late.”

Taking one last glance at the unfamiliar meadow, Storm and I bolted out of there, heading back towards the safety of our pack. As the packhouse came into view, I slowed to a trot, shifting back into my human form behind a tree. I hastily pulled on the basketball shorts I found lying nearby and approached the packhouse, where two pack warriors awaited my return.

“Alpha, I’ve been trying to reach you. The Beta tried mind-linking, but it seems you’ve blocked us,” one of them informed me, their tone respectful.

I sighed, my anger dissipating. “What is it, Caleb ?” I asked, finally willing to listen.

“One of the neighboring packs has arrived. They’re waiting for you in the office,” Caleb explained, concern evident in his voice.

I gave them a curt nod, acknowledging their message. “Where is Caleb?” I inquired, wondering about my trusted friend.

“He’s there too, Alpha,” Caleb replied, and I felt a pang of guilt for my earlier outburst.

“Okay, I’m on my way,” I stated, my mind already preparing for the meeting ahead.

Making my way to my room, I managed to reach it without any further distractions. I grabbed a towel and headed to the shower, letting the hot water wash away the physical remnants of my anger. Once done, I quickly dressed and headed towards the office, where the voices of laughter caught my attention. Curiosity piqued, I approached the door, only to be greeted by a loud crash from within.

“What in the Moon Goddess is going on?” I thundered, my anger resurfacing. The room fell into immediate silence.

“Alpha Xavier,” Caleb corrected quickly, acknowledging my authority. “This is Alpha Jacob and Beta Jack from Sunset Pack,” he introduced the two men who had previously been engaged in light-hearted banter.

I glared at Caleb, a silent reminder to address me with the appropriate respect in front of others. Then, I turned my attention to our visitors. “Alphas, Betas,” I greeted them, gesturing for them to take a seat.

“Thank you, Alpha,” Alpha Jacob responded gratefully, and we settled around the table.

They began to explain their situation; a series of rogue attacks that had overwhelmed their pack. They sought assistance, and I listened attentively, my mind already devising a plan. “I’ve heard about the rogue attacks, but I didn’t realize the extent of the danger you’re facing. In that case, I’ll send a hundred of my warriors to assist,” I offered, seeing the relief wash over their faces.

“Thank you, Alpha. It’s greatly appreciated,” Beta Jack expressed their gratitude, and the meeting drew to a close.

As I stood, my mind wandered back to the pain that plagued my soul. Caleb’s words echoed in my thoughts. I couldn’t keep pushing everyone away forever. I knew he was right. I missed her deeply, but I also had a pack that cared for me, a family waiting to help me heal. I couldn’t let my bitterness and grief consume me indefinitely.