Raina's Reign

Chapter 2: A visitor

I woke up early when Hyde mind-linked me that werewolves started checking in their hotels. I tried to get up from my bed when I stumbled around for a while until my eyes got used to the sunlight and went straight to shower. After roughly half an hour, the bathroom was steaming. 

I could not help but look at my reflection in the already misty mirror. I took a towel and wiped it in order to be able to see myself. After all these years, I still had a somewhat athletic body with my abs barely noticeable. I need to start training again when my best warrior comes back from his mission. In contrast with the other female werewolves who loved their long hair, I had cut my hair short before I turn 18. My pure white hair was cut just above my shoulders, and I actually shaved it underneath, emphasizing my strong collarbones and sharp jaw. My eyes were dark brown, so dark one might not differentiate my black pupils. From a far, people thought my eyes were completely black like a demon's. I enjoyed having different looks from others. I also had my ears pierced in more than 3 spots each. In the middle of my lips, I had a very thin and subtle gold ring as well as the left side of my nose. Because of my pale skin, my gold jewellery was beautifully shining every time Iceland had sun. Upon seeing me, one could have the impression of me being fragile. But little did they know. 

I had a full black and grey backpiece tattoo of a woman with open arms. On one arm she seemed to hold a crescent moon, while the other was inviting you to touch her. Her eyes were white, and on her head, there was a crown with a veil underneath. An oblivious human would think that I had Holy Mary on my back. But the woman tattooed on me was none other than my interpretation of the Moon Goddess. My left arm was also covered in multiple hydrangeas and mandala tattoos and ended just above my elbow. When my backpiece finished after 52 hours of work, the tattoo artist was impressed by my strength and patience. 

‘A person who chooses to endure so much pain just to have art on their body is truly someone worth my respect. Please visit me again for your future tattoos.’ he said and I knew he was going be the only one I trust.

My appearance could be easily underestimated by other werewolves, but I really did not mind. I do not like to show off. I was confident in my wolf, and in myself. I have been through a lot. I realised I was standing naked in front of the mirror all this time and I started getting shivers down my body as the water was drying from my body when I decided to get dressed. I chose my black skinny jeans, a tight dark grey sweater, and my favourite black vans. 

‘You look like a school-girl. Don’t you think we need to wear something more… professional? And age appropriate much? We will for sure encounter many Alphas today..’ Accalia said in my mind gaining my annoyance. I rolled my eyes in dismay and sarcastically answered back.

‘Since when does the mighty wolf Accalia feel insecure about her human’s looks? Is it because you are hoping to find a mate or because you are afraid that we won’t succeed in handling a few Alphas?’ Accalia fell into silence and noticing that, I sighed and continued.

‘The Moon Goddess prepared us for this. Our mate might never come. We are strong on our own Accalia and we have been for so many years. Why the long face now?’ Listening to what I said, Accalia could not help but answer in a sad note. 

‘We are strong but with a mate next to us we would be unbeatable. We might not have a second chance in love, but I trust in your judgment as long as it’s clear.’

Seeing that my wolf woke up grumpy, I quickly started heading to the dining room and tried to see where my wolf’s favourite breakfast was. The dining room was full of it since the pack would be arriving soon to have their breakfast. At the end of the huge dining table, I finally managed to spot the blueberry pancakes and sat to eat.

The pack slowly entered the dining room to eat their breakfast and as soon as they grabbed their food arriving at the end of the dining table, they each bowed their heads and talked to me. I always smiled towards my packmates and wished to always see them in a good mood. They were the most loyal and honest people I knew. I tried to always be kind to them and help them out in anything. 

After all, the Lightclaw pack was famous for our unity and if one was to enter the dining room this instance they would too understand why.  Not long after, the dining’s room doors opened, and twelve unknown werewolves entered..

----- Hyde's pov -----

As soon as I woke up, I turned around to look at my clock on my bedside and let out a deep sigh. It was way early, around 5 am. These days my wolf, Mason, got used to waking up early due to the amount of work we have. I decided not to sleep again and got up to take a shower. Before managing to enter the bathroom, I heard my most hated sound lately. My phone was beeping. I truly wanted to break it these days. I took my phone in my hands and noticed that various hotel owners messaged me reporting that werewolves started checking in. That signaled that packs started to arrive in our little town in order to compete in the festival. 

I hesitated for a minute and waited one more hour to mind-link Raina, fearing of not waking her up and report to her. To be honest, I was not expecting an answer since I knew her. She did not always talk, but when she did, she would always show power and confidence in her words. She was kind and always showed gratitude to her packmates. She took care of the humans in our town even if they were oblivious of the supernatural. She seemed cold and distant to others but in reality, she had too much on her plate. How can someone take care of so many things and still be calm and collected, I have no idea. 

But oh boy.. If one dared to challenge or take advantage of her gratitude... Shaking my head, I tried to focus on not thinking of the other side of Raina.

'What's the sudden interest in Raina's other side?' my wolf Mason asked as I entered the shower.

'Nothing.. It's just that after the death of the Beta, she is more calm than usual. It's been almost 2 years.' I answered.

'Well, isn't that good for her? You know she was close with him.' Mason said.

'I'm just worrying that she did not grieve him properly and she is emotionally stressed even after all this time. Our best warrior was sent on a mission abroad and now with the festival..'. I sighed thinking of the pressure she is under.

'She cannot show any weakness. You know that better than anyone. So, trust her.' Mason said in a scolding manner.

'I trust her with my life. As everyone does. I just wish that one day she will be able to find true happiness. She deserves the best mate!' I said and continued showering.

At 9 o' clock I started heading to the dining room to have breakfast along with the pack. The dining room was on the other side of the mansion, and I could already hear the laughs of my packmates that were already eating. Upon arriving close to the dining room's doors, I smelled twelve werewolves closing in. I turned around as I saw them entering the mansion. In the middle of the group, I could sense the Alpha's aura. I stood there with my hands behind my back and waited for the butler's introduction. 

Conan, the pack house's butler, was a middle-aged werewolf dressed in black and white who, from a long time ago, decided to dedicate his life to Raina. The other packmates always joked around that Conan was Raina's shadow and that is what earned him the appropriate nickname 'Shadow'. He has a habit of appearing next to her or behind her without anyone noticing or smelling his presence. To be honest, he was a scary dude always responding with a cold tone. 

Conan must have noticed my puzzled expression and he introduced them to me as we slowly walked towards the dining room. 

'My apologies Alpha Rollins. At this time, the pack is in the dining room enjoying breakfast. This is Gamma Hyde.'

 The Alpha nodded in acknowledgment and commented. 'For such a strong pack to be greeted by a mere butler and a Gamma... I wonder how many weaknesses you hide since you already lost your Beta.' 

Upon listening to the Alpha's comment, I could not help but let out a sarcastic laugh showing my white shiny canines. I felt my aura getting darker. How could he say something like that? Shameless indeed.

Much to his surprise the Alpha widened his eyes in question. 'Was my comment so funny?' he thought.

'I guess you are getting old Rollin. Was it that long ago when your messenger came running and begged for our Alpha's mercy? Or… wait. Was that the first or the second time?' I said smiling back waiting for the Alpha's response. I saw him hesitating...

'That was a long time ago. We both know that the Midnight pack got stronger.' their Beta answered since he knew his Alpha would answer provocatively. At least there is someone smart in that pathetic Midnight pack.

'I guess you are right. ' I said with a low voice knowing that this discussion would lead nowhere. I did not have the energy to get in any further conversation with them. 

The moment I tried to mind-link Raina and warn her of the arrival of the Midnight pack, Conan opened the dining room's doors and gained the packs attention.

'There goes the warning' Mason growled in my mind and I instantly scanned the room to find Raina with, what looked like, a disgusted expression on her face, resting her head on her hand.