The Alpha Fate

CHAPTER 2

All colours and shades stared at me as I made my way into the chambers. They made whimpers of submission and prostrated as I stepped in, marking my confident strides on the floor, the same way Braiah did some weeks ago.

I struggled not to attack the itch beneath my fur. My wolf form was not as beautiful as my human, but it was fearful, a great camouflage I was grateful for.

I raised my feet in the air and growled, an act I always looked forward to when Braiah did it. Now, I just wanted it to be over with. I felt ridiculous.

As they all settled into comfortable positions, I peered through and gave Orji an acknowledging nod when I saw her huge form staring wide-eyed at me.

“The alpha has always stood for the pack,” I began. “My reign will not be different. The council has always supported and given their wise suggestions, and during my reign, this is also welcome. As we grieve Braiah, and every other alpha that came before, we should not forget that this was the home they fought to keep, the territory they bled to protect, and in all we do, if we do not add to their accomplishments, we must protect it.”

I paused, unsure of how I sounded. Their faces were expressionless but I had their attention, I had the power. It was only then I truly realize what all this meant.

“I assume my duties in full today, and there will be some changes as to the structure of things, so get ready. Normal park activities will go on, the generals should resume training, and tutoring can move out of the pack territory again. I am aware of the threats we face, so we do not have time to hang around doing nothing.” I paced to and fro just because I always saw Braiah do it.

The rest of what I said were normal proceedings I always observed. Harlan had put me through it over and over again during this past week, so I had no problem reciting them off my head, and adding my own spice to it.

I finished up and asked for suggestions or any extra words. I knew most of them had a lot to say but wouldn’t speak up, and then there were others like Nathan. He wagged his tail and licked his mouth, revealing the large space at the center of his dentition, from which he had lost two teeth after engaging in a brawl with his brother, biting his head off.

He was the most fearful warrior we had, but not the leader, and that was for a very good reason.

“It’s more of a question than a suggestion” his voice echoed around the room “The council would like to know your plans on having a mate.”

I swallowed, I had seen this coming, I just had not figured out the right answer yet. “Your alpha will recognize her mate when she sees him.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Orji blink too many times. She was the only one in the pack who knew about the prophesy.

“The sooner the other packs know you’re a lone alpha, they will charge.

“Braiah was a lone alpha, I didn’t see anyone having a problem with that.”

“Well, you are not Braiah.”

I couldn’t tell if what filled the room were growls of disapproval or the opposite, but it brought great discomfort, and I knew if I didn’t act, I would only prove his point.”

The room grew quiet as my steps thundered in his direction. He didn’t flinch, didn’t blink, didn’t take a step back, typical Nathan.

“You are right. I am not Braiah” I said, my eyes intentionally piercing through his soul “She let you remain a member of the council despite the many times you tried to rub your shoulders against hers and those of your superiors. There’s a whole forest out there, more than enough to accommodate another lone wolf, and I will not hesitate to give it one.”

Now, he blinked, and beneath my furs, I smiled at myself.

“Anyone else has something to say?”

The silence was deafening, so I moved on. “Gather the pack, now.”

As I stood above them all, I shivered. There were over eight hundred wolves entrusted under my care and guidance and this meant every decision I made, I had to include them all. It was frightening, but it was too late to turn back now. I had to do what I had to do.

“This pack is family, this pack is home,” I intended to keep my speech as short as possible, and that was exactly what I did. “Always remember this whenever you want to make any move, this pack is the only shelter you’ve got. We must keep it together, we must build it and we must never falter. I, as your alpha, and together with my beta, Ryan Gerald.” I stretched my hand to the surprised man who walked up to take it, will do our part, our very best to ensure danger is far away from us. But we need you, we will always need you to do right by one another, for the sake of the pack.”

I tucked my hair behind my ear and smiled at them “I will protect you, no matter what, with all I have got.”

“Silverbrook pack, behold your alpha.” Logan, head Zeta was speaking.

I listened to the cracking of bones and watched in amazement as the numbers in front of me transformed, and positioned themselves in submission, leaving a unified howl into the night. As I kept staring, I replayed the speech I had just made and wondered if I had meant those words at all. I did know one thing. They had hope in me. Letting them down was not an option.