Torn By Fate

Astrid: I slip on my windbreaker while heading out for my morning run, nothing better than to start my day with the view of the glorious orange colors in the sky, waking the creatures of Silverhill city. It is true what they say about early morning risers. We wake up on time to chase our dreams while others continue to sleep and dream about them. Today I was doing just that. I have waited for what seems like an eternity to turn twenty-one, and that day has finally come. Not only is it my birthday, but my father will be passing his alpha position to me. My father has been preparing me for this moment since I first felt my wolf at the age of twelve. We worked countless hours on the training field's, teaching me his battle skills in human and wolf form. One of my personal favorites being swordsmanship. At such a young age, he even allowed me to sit in on his essential meetings with the pack warriors. Dad would always say the sooner I learned, the better alpha I would be. For generations, my family has seen only first-born sons, which will give me the title of first female alpha of the River Ash pack. This fact has me a little anxious. However, I cannot let it get the best of me. My pack needs a strong alpha, and I must prove my leading skills will be no different from my predecessors just because I am a woman. Halting my run at the bridge, I turned to admire natures gift to the earth—the blue waves crashing together as it reaches to kiss the sand on the surface. "We are made for this." My wolf spoke in my head. Today she is feeling more powerful than before. "Yes, we are," I told her while taking a few moments to admire the beach before continuing my run and looking forward to the future. ~ After a relaxing shower, I head downstairs to join my mom and brother for breakfast. I hear my brother mind link me as I take a seat in front of him. "Fair warning moms obsessive planning is in full effect." He gives me a prolonged look while stuffing his mouth full. "f*****g great," I muttered, spilling syrup on my pancakes. On cue, my mother places her binder full of notes on the kitchen table, completely ignoring the plate she served for herself. "Astrid, I need you to be back home by 4. Nicole will be here to do your hair and makeup, so it is one less thing to worry about. We will also need to go over everything for tonight to make sure you have your oath memorized," My mother said as she writes useless notes down in her planner. "I won't be late," I assured her, giving my best fake smile. My mother is such a neat freak, and nothing is ever out of her control when it comes to our pack events. One year my dad had misinformed her about the number of guests attending a party, till this day, she still gives him s**t for it. The last thing I want to do is freak her out with any delays. Suddenly our attention is pulled to my sister, stumbling through the front door. She is wearing the same pink dress she wore last night, and she reeks of alcohol. Her dark brown hair is tied into a bun that looks more of a bird's nest sitting on her head. If mom was not freaked out enough, my sister's appearance is going to push her over the edge. "You look like s**t," my brother laughed, giving her the famous 'mom and dad are going to kill you' look. "Shut up, Keaton!" She spat, leaning on the door, trying to keep her balance. She is still drunk. My mother’s growl boomed through the house as she yelled at my sister, "Khloe, it is morning! Where have you been?" "I'm ss-sorry mom...I fell asleep at Mia's house." Khloe stuttered, lowering her head in fear of making eye contact with mom's piercing dark blue eyes. Mom can make anyone in the house piss their pants just by her glare. "You're lucky I don't have time to deal with any of this nonsense! You will be on time tonight, and when the ceremony's over, we will discuss your punishment with your father. Go to your room now!" Mom growled, pointing her finger upstairs. Khloe does not say a word as she clumsily makes her way upstairs. I do not condone her staying out late drinking the night before my ceremony, but she is my little sister. I cannot help but be protective of her, especially when it comes to our parent's dreadful lectures. "Mom Khloe is 18, remember how it was when I was that age all I wanted to do was go out and have fun with my friends," I tried to reason with her, but she shook her head at me, "Don't make excuses for her, Astrid. That is her second time this week," She spoke with a grim tone while organizing the cluster f**k of papers on the table. "Look, I'm not saying she was right, but before you tell dad, just let me go talk to her first. Please?" I pleaded, crossing my fingers behind my back in hopes she will change her mind. She pinched the bridge of her nose, frustrated by all the planning and Khloe's misbehavior. "Fine, but if this happens again, I won't be so forgiving next time. You are responsible for your sister," She pointed an accusing finger at me. "I think you should just go with the punishment; I mean it's Khloe we're talking about here," Keaton said smugly. Before I head upstairs, I give him a hard smack on the back of the head. "Owwwww! What was that for?" He groaned, "Be nice to your twin i***t!" I glared at him one last time before leaving the kitchen. When I walk into Khloe's bedroom, she is hunched over the toilet, looking like a hot mess. "Oh, moon goddess Khloe how much did you drink last night?" I asked gently, rubbing her back to soothe her. She flushed the toilet, muttering, "Too f*****g much." "Khloe, mom, is pissed at you. You're lucky I convinced her to let me speak to you before she told dad about any of this," I sat at the edge of her bed and waited for her to finish, " I know you want to go out and live life, but you have to draw a line." "It's not fair Keaton stays out all the time!" She exasperated while curling up in her bed. "That's because Keaton comes home the same night and not the next day, and you already know dad is more protective of us. After today you must start coming home early Khlo, I will not be able to save your ass next time, and I especially will not be able to tolerate this once I am alpha. Promise me you'll do better." I told her and offered my pinky just like we have always done since we were pups. She looked up at me and sighed. "Okay, sis, I'll stop coming home late. Thanks for sticking up for me you're a lifesaver," She smiled lightly and hooked our pinkies. "I know I'm the best. Get some sleep, but don't be late for my ceremony tonight, or I'll be the one to kill you instead of mom." I spoke the latter firmly as I pointed my finger at her. She giggled before turning her back and disappearing under the covers. Walking out of the house, I spotted my beta Derek leaning his tall figure against the driver side door of my baby blue jeep. "Hey, boss, ready to go?" He asked with a perky tone, "As ready as I will be," I muttered while getting into the jeep. Derek has been one of my best friends since we were pups. He is the son of my father's beta Michael aka big mike. Derek was only ten when he first shifted into his massive grey wolf; the youngest anyone has ever turned in the pack. He is more significant than most wolves I've seen in my life, but smaller than his father. Nobody beats big mike. He flips through the radio station while I drive to the event center that my father owns, "What's up, you nervous?" Derek asked while staring out of his window. "A little." "Really?" He smirked, turning his attention to me. He knows me too well, "I am the first female to ever do this. Standing in front of everyone scares me," I admitted to him. "Astrid, we've practiced this many times if you get nervous just picture everyone naked." He suggested nonchalantly. "That's the best advice you got?" I asked in shock because usually he is Derek, the philosopher. He always had the best advice for anyone who needed it. "Trust me, it works," He breathed, between our laughter at his ridiculous advice, "All seriousness you are going to do great tonight, you're a strong woman, and no one deserves to be alpha as much as you do. I believe in you." He declared with a genuine smile. I responded to him with the same gesture. The kind words from my beta left me feeling hopeful. Derek and I made our way to the front entrance and took the elevator to the 6th floor. When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out to see Sheila's team finishing their last touches on the tables. Dad, Big Mike, and his gamma Nate, along with his daughter, my other best friend Nicole, are waiting for us by the big stage. Dad and I agreed we would meet here to have a practice run before the ceremony to avoid any embarrassment of forgetting our places. "There's my beautiful daughter," Dad said as he took me into his big arms, "Astrid, you're going to make a great alpha even better than your old man." I pulled back and shook my head at him in denial, "I'll never be as great as you, but thanks, dad, it means a lot to hear you say that." After a long 2-hour rehearsal, Nicole and Derek ran towards me with gift bags like children not able to contain their excitement. I told them several times not to waste their money on me; however, I knew they would not listen. After thanking them for the expensive gifts, they both left to prepare for tonight. Before I could follow them out of the building, my father approached me. "Can we talk for a minute?" He asked. My eyes instantly drifted to the large black case he held, "What's up, dad?" "Just wanted to check on you, I can sense you're nervous." He told me, knowingly. I am scared, shitless! I am the first female alpha in our family and standing in front of everyone in the pack terrifies me because I do not want to make a fool of myself even if I have practiced over 100 times. "I'm fine." I lied. I cannot let my father know I am scared. I must be strong. He gives me a prolonged look as he narrows his green eyes at me. "Astrid, I am your father I know something is bothering you. Tell me the truth," He inquired. I sighed heavily, knowing damn well I cannot keep the truth from him. "This is a big deal, dad. What if the pack does not accept me because I am female? I don't want to disappoint anyone." My words leave him shaking his head at me in disbelief. "Sweetheart, River Ash adores you. How could you not see that? You have nothing to worry about, yes you're the first female, but that doesn't mean you will be any less valued." He turned around and put the heavy black case onto the table and continued, "I wanted to wait for today to give this to you." He pushed open the lock and pulled out a long black cane. My eyes widened when he faced it in front of me while grabbing the top of the handle to slide it open, revealing its true identity. "You're giving me grandfathers sword?" My voice cracked as tears formed in my eyes. My Grandfather Riley was gifted this sword by his human mother, Diane. Marcus Collins, my great grandfather, met Diane when her team of hunters came across River ash territory. She originally wanted to kill the pack, but ironically, Diane was Marcus's, fated mate. Grandfather would always say no one stood a chance against his mother and her sword, not even the toughest werewolf. "He would have wanted you to have it." He told me as he placed the sword in my hand. Only in my wildest dreams would I have ever held this sword in my hand. After admiring it for some moments longer, I pulled him into a tight hug and let tears run down my cheeks. "I won't let you down, dad," I promised him as leaned forward to kiss my forehead. After pulling myself together and leaving the event center, dad and I decided to stop at Roxie's diner owned by the White Claw pack. When we sat at our usual booth in the back, immediately out of my peripheral vision, I noticed a man with blonde hair walking towards us. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat from embarrassment. Oh god, why does he have to be here? "Hey stranger, it's been a while." the alpha smiled, flashing his pearly whites at me, "Hi, Bryson." I offered him an odd side hug while my mind instantly remembered the last encounter we shared. Nicole and I went out to Inferno last year, a secret club for the werewolves of Silverhill; it was rave night, and he also happened to be there with a few of his pack members. Seeing a familiar face, he took a seat next to me at the bar and bought my drinks for the rest of the night. After the club, he brought me back to his apartment to hang out. We sat on his couch and talked for hours. Just as I was about to call it a night, he gently put his hand around my waist and pulled me close into a kiss. Oh Moon goddess, you could get lost in his lips. We had been drinking too much, and the s****l tension escalated quickly. I still remember the way he left hungry kisses on my neck as he slid his fingers into my core, forcing my knees to become weak. I almost let him take me that night, but sleeping with Bryson felt wrong, saving my virginity for my mate was more important than some quick hookup. I had always kept this promise to myself. "Alpha Jonah, nice to see you." Bryson broke the awkward silence and shook my dad's hand, "Likewise, alpha Bryson how is Brent I've meant to pay a visit." Just as dad asked this, Bryson's father came to greet us. "I'm well, old man, but you would know this if you'd come to my poker nights when I invited you." He spoke sarcastically and firmly shook my dad's hand, "Astrid you beauty, you look more and more like Grace every time I see you." He placed a kiss on the back of my hand. I indeed inherited all my mother's features, long wavy black hair, almond shaped dark blue eyes, and her plump lips. "Speaking of Grace, she didn't join you two?" Brent asked curiously, "Oh, you know, mom Brent, she's busy getting everything together for the ceremony, probably making her team and my siblings lose their minds," I told him. They all laughed at my blunt response, but I meant it, she will drive them all crazy! The men continued to have small talk mostly about Bryson's successful real estate business while I do everything in my power to avoid eye contact with him. The waitress then brought our food and placed a mouthwatering slice of chocolate cake with a sparkling candle in front of me. "Happy birthday Astrid, and congratulations. We look forward to seeing you tonight at the ceremony," Bryson said with too much emotion latched in his voice. "Thank you so much this looks delicious," I directed my attention to the cake to avoid his profound gaze. Finally, they gave my dad their final goodbyes and turned to leave. After devouring our meals and fighting with dad about sharing my cake, his phone on the table lights up with mom's name. I took a glance at the time and listened to the conversation with my wolf hearing. "Jonah, you and Astrid have 10 minutes to get your asses back to this house. Don't make me tell you twice!" Mom shouted with rage. Shit so much for not being late. "We will be there soon," Dad ended the call nervously and quickly put cash out on the table before we both departed the booth and ran for the door like our lives depended on it.