Chapter two - Alyss
905 Words
At the beginning it was very difficult.
I wasn’t weak. If I were, the group wouldn’t want me to be their leader. But I wasn’t as strong as Rod either.
Everyone used to tell me I was brave and scrappy. Even as a little girl I had loved challenges, I had been always able to speak my mind and I could face anything without fear. But all this time, until now, I had Rod protecting my back, supporting me and rooting for me. I had known I could take the risk because he was right there for me, ready to run to the rescue. I had been holding my head up high, because I was walking hand in hand with my amazing older brother who had encouraged me to be confident and never yield to anyone.
After he was gone I felt like I lost my foundation, my air, my compass and my spine.
I remembered how our mother had died, protecting us. Then I had felt guilty too. But then I had had Rod. He had promised me everything was going to be all right. “I will protect you, lil sis. Forever,” he had said wiping the tears off my cheeks, rocking me in his arms.
This time it was worse. Rod died because of me. They both died because of me. I had only known Gwynn for about half a year, but I already loved her. Being my brother’s mate, she treated me as if I was her sister too. The two of them were my closest family.
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We held a funeral for them even though we couldn’t find their bodies. We put up a stele with both of their names written on it. I cried through the entire ceremony. I felt I was left alone in this world.
But as I was crying, Star stepped up to me and took my hand. Soon Desmond followed, taking my other hand. Star’s mom, Kitty, put her hand on my shoulder. All of her children and their father stood beside her. I lifted my head for the first time in a few days and I noticed everyone was looking at me. There was pity in their eyes and there was grief, but more importantly, there was love. I understood we were all family.
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When everybody started to leave, I remained still. Star was the last one to stay by my side. I asked her to give me a moment alone and finally she left too.
I sat on the ground in front of the stele and stared into my brother’s name written on it. I tried to mindlink him but I couldn’t. I won’t be able to mindlink him ever again, I thought.
*I miss you big bro. What am I supposed to do without you?* I tried to ask through mindlink.
I didn’t get any answer from him. But I finally made up my mind.
I got up and walked towards the central tent where a few people were already preparing supper. Others were moseying around in small groups, talking quietly. When I got closer a couple of them looked at me and gave me encouraging smiles.
"I want to say something."
All of the conversations were instantly interrupted as I spoke up. Now everyone was looking at me again.
"I've been thinking about what some of you spoke to me about during the past few days. If you all wish so, I will accept the position of Alpha."
I heard some rumblings of acknowledgement.
"It's good. So very good," said Minah, one of the oldest women in the group, who remembered not only Rod's predecessor but even the one who'd been the Alpha before him. She came up to me to shake my hand. A few others followed her.
"I'm glad you made up your mind. I believe you are the best person for this job and you will do it very well,” Desmond said, when his turn came. “If you however need any help, you can always come to me.”
*Actually, I do. I want you to help me make only good decisions from now on. Will you be my Beta?* I asked through mindlink. I wanted him to give me his answer before announcing it to everyone.
*Are you sure? Wouldn’t you want someone else to do it?*
I looked at Star. I never talked to her about that, but I was pretty sure she didn’t want the position. Besides, maybe she was closer to me, but Desmond was definitely better fit for leading. I looked him in the eyes and nodded.
*You’re the smartest person I know. I will need your counsel.*
He nodded back in reply. *If that’s what you want, I’ll be honoured.*
“I have chosen my Beta,” I said out loud. Everyone pricked up their ears again. “It will be Desmond from the Ocean.”
As I expected, most people seemed surprised, some were even displeased. No one said anything though. A few of those standing close to us came up to congratulate him.
There were no cheers, no enthusiasm. Everyone knew I wouldn’t want that. We were still grieving Rod and Gwynn.
- Writer
