Anger Keeps The Mind Sharp
1254 Words
ALPHA CAELAN'S POV
I hated long rides.
They gave my father too much time to talk and gave me too much time to remember things I buried. But this long ride was necessary. We had to be at the Ironcrest pack for an alliance. We were more powerful than they were and they could have made the journey, but my father simply had a soft spot for alpha Dan of the Ironcrest pack.
“The western patrol returned at dawn,” Alpha Thorne said beside me. “No losses were recorded.”
“As expected,” I replied. “Nightfall wolves do not fail. That's how it's always been.”
“You sound angry even when things go well,” he said.
“I sound alert, father,” I corrected. “Anger keeps my senses sharp.”
He shifted in his seat. “You carry the pack like armor. It is commendable but it–”
“I carry it like a weapon,” I interrupted him. “That is why it survives.”
He nodded slowly. “You have handled the pack well. Better than I ever did, I daresay.”
“I do not lead with softness,” I said. “Softness kills. And you, my father,” I said, looking into his eyes, “are too soft sometimes.”
“Softness also saves,” he replied.
I scoffed. “That is something elders say when they grow tired.”
“You are powerful, Caelan,” he said. “But power without balance can crack. You can't let that become of you.”
“I am not cracked,” I snapped.
He looked at me for a long moment. “You have not slept properly in years. Sometimes it makes me wonder why I handed over the pack to you. You have to understand what creating a balance means so you don't lose yourself while you serve your pack.”
“I sleep only when Nightfall pack is safe and there are no enemies trying to slit our throats while we sleep.”
“You sleep when you pass out,” he said. “That is not rest, Caelan. You must take time to rest so you can always have your mind and body together.”
I clenched my jaw. I wasn't ready to go this route with my father. When he started talking about how much I wasn't resting, he stayed on the topic for too long.
“This alliance with Ironcrest matters,” he continued. “Their lands guard the southern pass.”
“I know why we are going,” I said. “Do not lecture me.”
“I am not lecturing,” he replied. “I am reminding you. I know how you feel about us having to do the travelling when we're the more powerful pack.”
Silence settled between us for a while.
Then he spoke again.
“Alpha Dan has a daughter,” he said carefully.
I stiffened. “I am aware of that, father.”
“She has grown into a woman,” he added. “Strong and very beautiful to behold. Yet, she is an unclaimed woman.”
I turned sharply. “Do not.”
“Do not what?”
“Do not suggest that to me father,” I said. “Not ever.”
“She is respected in her pack,” he said. “She is a warrior and a leader, Caelan.”
“I said no,” I growled.
“Your mate died three years ago,” he said quietly. “You are still alive.”
“My mate died,” I snapped. “And so did that part of me.”
“You cannot chain yourself to a grave forever. She is with the moon goddess from whom we all came.”
“I am not chained,” I said. “I am only loyal.”
“You are punishing yourself with this loyalty you've created by yourself.”
“I deserve it.”
He exhaled slowly. “You loved deeply.”
“And that love was taken,” I replied. “I will not offer it again.”
“You do not have to love,” he said. “But you cannot close yourself completely and even shut out those who love you.”
“I can,” I said. “And I have.”
He opened his mouth to argue some more.
But then the carriage slowed.
“We have arrived,” the driver announced.
I stood immediately. “Good.”
We stepped down onto Ironcrest land. Warriors lined the path. Their stance was solid and alert. Not weak.
Alpha Dan stood waiting at the entrance of the large pack house.
“Alpha Thorne,” he greeted. “Alpha Caelan. Welcome.”
“Alpha Dan,” my father replied warmly.
I gave a short nod. “Your borders are tight.”
“As are yours,” Dan said. “You honor us with your visit.”
Then movement caught my eye.
A woman stepped forward from the side of the courtyard.
She was dressed like a warrior. Shoulders back. Her chin, fierce. Brown hair pulled tight behind her neck. And she had sharp blue eyes that did not lower when they landed on us.
My breath stalled.
My wolf, Obsidian, stirred inside me.
“She could be mine,” he purred.
The word echoed inside me.
“No,” I muttered.
“She is strong,” Obsidian said. “She smells right.”
“Control yourself,” I growled silently.
My eyes stayed on her. I did not mean to stare. But my body responded before my mind could stop it. Heat slid low and sharp.
“She is unclaimed,” Obsidian urged. “We take her and claim her.”
“We take nothing,” I replied.
Alpha Dan turned toward her. “Caelan,” he said. “This is my daughter, Ariselle.”
She met my gaze.
“Ariselle.”
The name landed heavy.
“So this is her,” Obsidian said. “The one.”
“She is nothing,” I told him.
“She is everything.”
She walked closer and extended her hand.
Her posture was calm. There was no fear or hesitation in the way she offered her hand.
I took it.
My hand swallowed hers. I held it fully, deliberately. I felt her warmth and the still strength in her grip.
She did not pull away.
Interesting.
“Welcome to Ironcrest,” she said.
Her voice was steady and devoid of unnecessary warmth that most women tried to speak to me with.
This woman did not care to court my affection. She didn't try to sound soft so I could look at her twice.
“I am here for business,” I said.
“As am I,” she replied.
Good.
I released her hand slowly. Even if I could have let the hand go immediately.
Obsidian snarled.
“We should have her,” he said. “Now.”
“She would fight,” I replied.
“She would burn under our heat.”
I clenched my jaw.
I did not want her. She was the daughter of alpha Dan and I didn't have any business desiring her.
Unless it was just once.
For release.
Nothing more.
I turned toward the hall.
“Let us proceed,” I said.
But even as I walked, I felt her presence behind me.
And my wolf did not stop watching her hungrily.
- Writer
