Alpha Loves Alpha

Chapter 16:

Xavier:

We arrived to Fire Castle. It was quaint compared to King Edward’s, but it held a simple beauty. White cobblestone made up the walls with ivy and roses climbing up the side. The arched windows were pointed at the top with diamond-shaped panes. Towers rose on either side of the large structure.

A U-shaped driveway curved in front of the estate with a fountain nestled in the center. Fish and coins from pups making wishes filled the large basin. Small lily pads doted the surface of the clear water. A large statue of a howling wolf, that had water flowing from it’s mouth, stood in the center of the fountain.

I parked in front of the entrance and Alpha gave me a confused look. “What is this building?”

“Up until six years ago it was Fire castle, now it’s Fire Pack Orphanage. We had a lot of orphaned children after the battle, so I decided to renovate the castle.”

I didn’t tell her that I couldn’t bare being in a castle full of memories of a family that no longer existed.

I had spent many nights tossing and turning with nightmares. The hallways seemed to be haunted with memories. There wasn’t an area in the place that the faces of my deceased family didn’t exist. It was better that children who needed a home could find it in a place I viewed as a place of pain.

“That’s very kind of you.”

“It’s a large castle for just a few people. They did me a favor. Less to worry about.” I gave her a tight lipped smile. “Why don’t we go inside and I can show you around?”

She nodded and stepped out of the car. I grabbed the box of cannoli and followed. I opened the door for Alpha and we walked into the foyer.

“Alpha Xavier!” Lisa, the head of the orphanage greeted me with a bow. “Thank you for stopping by. The children have missed you.”

“I brought them some sweets, if that’s okay.”

“Of course. The children will be pleased,” she said taking the box.

She turned towards Alpha and bowed. “Welcome, Luna Alpha.” Raising, she said, “The children watched the Alpha Summit and will be honored to meet you. Follow me this way.”

We walked down the long corridor toward the large playroom at the back of the castle. As we got closer, the laughter and squeals of children playing got louder.

As we entered the room children running around the large indoor playground could be seen.

Zarik popped out from behind the spiral slide of the indoor playground and began climbing it, yelling, “You’ll never take me!”

When he got to the top he brandished a large foam sword. “I am the mighty King Marcus! Fear me weak peasants!”

“Never,” screamed one of the children.

“The children learned about the history of the six packs and the Moon Kingdom today,” Lisa pointed out. Alpha and I nodded and continued to watch the group of rambunctious children.

The pups began to climb up and surround him. Zarik swiped towards them with his sword. They all fought back with swords of their own. One managed to stab him, causing him to feign defeat.

Zarik clutched his chest and swooned, making exaggerated groans of pain. “I am bested by the seven brave wolves. Moon Goddess have mercy!”

With that final declaration he fell down the slide head first on his back as he continued to groan.

I met him at the base and looked down at him. “That’s not a very accurate reenactment. Maybe it’s time to enroll you in school.”

Before Zarik could reply the children surrounded me, yelling out, “Alpha Xavier.”

“Hello. Is everyone behaving for Miss Lisa?”

“Yes,” they said in unison.

“Good. I brought a very important guest I’d like you all to meet.” I turned and gestured to Alpha. “This is Alpha Alpha, the Fire Pack’s Luna.”

The children’s eyes widened before they ran over and surrounded Alpha. They began bombarding her with questions about being Alpha of the top pack and the events of the Summit. The older children walked over to get a look at their new Luna, as well as the staff of the orphanage.

She seemed at a loss for words. Something I’m sure was rare for her.

I made my way towards her and the mob of people surrounding her. “Everyone will have a chance to talk to Alpha Luna, but let’s enjoy the sweets she brought for us. Everyone say thank you to Alpha Luna.”

Everyone thanked her in unison and we made our way over to the cafeteria. Each child and staff member received a cannoli and sat at the round tables enjoying their treats.

Zarik was talking energetically about the games he and the children were playing throughout the day. He even sat in on some of their classes.

“I find it interesting how everything started. We don’t learn much about the Moon Kingdom and the six packs in the Rogue Lands.”

“Why not,” Alpha asked with a scowl. “It’s a part of their history as much as it is ours.”

“Not many bother to learn about the packs because they have no interest. Everyone keeps to themselves. It’s easier to survive that way.”

“Wouldn’t they feel more secure in a pack?”

“Yes, you have security, but then you would also be obligated to your Alpha. In the Rogue Lands you’re free to do whatever you want. You don’t have to follow anyone's rules.” Zarik paused slightly before continuing. “Except for the Sivika’s. They don’t rule everything, but they have a lot of control over most of the clans out their.”

“Why don’t we continue this conversation another time?” I gave them both a knowing look.

“I’m sure most of the children have finished. Let’s go back to the playroom,” Alpha suggested.

As we walked along the long corridor a little girl with long chestnut hair walked up to Alpha.

“Luna Alpha?” She stopped and looked down at Penny.

When Penny noticed she had her attention she gave a little curtsy. “Will you play hop-scotch with us?”

Alpha glanced behind Penny and noticed three other girls waiting for her answer. She looked back at Penny with a smile. “I would love to.”

Penny grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the other girls who were jumping around excitedly. They all headed into the large room where a hop-scotch board was drawn on the chalkboard floor in the corner, along with four-square and miscellaneous chalk drawings.

Zarik ran off to play with the foam swords, causing a mob of children to run after him.

I sat at one of the tables and watched Alpha as she laughed with the four girls. Her hair flowed through the air as she hopped from one square to the next with a big grin on her face.

I’m reminded again at how beautiful she is. Even without the mate bond I would be drawn to her. She’s gorgeous, charismatic, and kind.

“You must really be falling for her.” Zariks words snapped me out of my trance and I turned to him. “I can tell by the goofy smile on your face.”

I was taken aback. What do you say when you’re slowly turning into a love sick puppy for someone you’ve only known for a few days?

“I’ve seen that look before. My parents were mates. Though they never fully completed the mating ritual, I could see the love they held in their eyes for each other.”

“What happened to them?”

“The Sivika’s,” he said bitterly. “I had a good childhood for someone that grew up outside of the packs. But as I got older I saw what it was really like out there. Survival of the fittest.” He shook his head and looked down. “It’s not for everyone.”

“I lost my parents when I was young. Not as young as you, but when you go from being a family to having no one... It changes your perspective on a lot of things.” I gave him a pat on the back. “Healing comes with time.”

“Whew! I’m exhausted. And I thought our run earlier was a workout. These kids have so much energy,” Alpha laughed as she plopped down in the chair next to me.

“It’s all the sugar from the cannoli,” I pointed out.

“We’ll bring them some vegetables next time,” Alpha said in a joking tone.

“Excuse me, Alpha Xavier. I’m going to go sit in the garden for a bit,” Zarik said before walking off without a glance towards us.

Alpha gave me a quizzical look. “Is he okay?”

I gave her a shrug. “Teen angst. Give him some time and he’ll be okay.”

 I didn’t want Alpha to worry, but I knew it would take a long time for him to come to terms with his past. It’s been six years and I still find myself grieving.