The Twin Alphas: Instincts of the Lycan

The steady beat of music fills the car space as it blasts from the speakers while the wind rushes through open windows. Kateryna holds the steering wheel tightly while she checks the navigation screen. The road stretches ahead endlessly while the setting sun casts its warm glow, but Kateryna feels the onset of fatigue. She circles her shoulders in an attempt to release the building tension in her neck and back. It’s a strange feeling—freedom. This freedom isn't served to you in a convenient package but requires you to fight for it in its rough and unfinished state. No more expectations. No more rules set by someone else. She will never again bear the burden of a name she never got to shape. The moment the Chornobryvtsi Pack territory vanished from her rearview mirror, she left all that behind. She takes a deep breath, which fails to push away the memories that persistently return. Certain things stay with you, much like shadows that follow even when you try to escape. A single mistake or slip-up could lead to a less favorable outcome in the future. Had Mama not intervened at that crucial moment, his fate would have been different. She shakes away the thought before she redirects her attention back to the road. Less than an hour left. The drive took a lot of time, but she enjoyed it. She prefers driving while she moves forward over remaining in a place where every look feels like an unspoken order while eyes track her steps against a measure she never consented to. The town adjacent to Nocturne Academy remains modest in size and requires only a brief drive from the campus. The town near Nocturne Academy stands within the territory of the Svitlozari Pack, which is smaller than her father's pack yet led by an Alpha whom her father trusts. Before he died, Alpha Ostap’s father worked on the council of her father. Ostap displays unwavering loyalty and readiness to please while leading effectively through his appreciation for alliances. His offer for her to reside at his home could be attributed to those reasons. Her father eagerly embraced the proposal because he firmly believed it represented the optimal choice. She could rely on a secure location and the watchful eyes of someone she knows. But Kateryna? Not a chance. She wanted to break free from her father's legacy rather than find refuge under another pack's protection. She could establish her territory only by setting her own rules. She asks Malevolent for his thoughts while staring at the passenger seat and stroking the smooth black fur of her green-eyed cat. “Think we’ll like it here?” The cat purrs contentedly while stretching and lets her long tail wrap around the dashboard as though she rules the entire vehicle. Kateryna smirks. “Yeah, I think so too.” Her father gave her Malevolent when she was still a child. They’ve been inseparable ever since. The cat possesses sleek black fur and piercing green eyes, which make her seem like Kateryna's twin and a being who quietly rebels. The brief tranquility between them ends abruptly when Kateryna slams on the brakes and realizes she almost missed her turn. Malevolent releases threatening hisses while his claws tear into the leather seat as she tries to stabilize herself. Kateryna grins and utters, "My bad," as she steers her car into the driveway of a small cottage hidden between trees. An old fence encircles the property while tall hedges sway gently in the wind. It’s not much, but it’s hers. Kateryna exits the house while holding Malevolent tightly to her chest as she nears the door. She positions herself at the entrance and retrieves the hidden key from beneath the flowerpot. Let’s inspect our senior-year residence now. Pushing the door open, she steps inside. The place is small and old but clean. The air contains a subtle citrus aroma, which likely resulted from Luna Oksana's extensive cleaning efforts. A cozy kitchen setting holds a big fruit basket with a card standing against it on the table. Malevolent jumps onto the table to sniff the fruit. With a dramatic throat clearing, Kateryna picks up the card. “Dear Kateryna, Welcome to the Svitlozari Pack. I hope you find your accommodations comfortable. The pantry and fridge have been stocked for your convenience. We invite you to join us for dinner tomorrow evening. P.S. We prepared a room in our home for you in case you decide to stay. Our pack and home are yours. Yours, Luna Oksana.” Kateryna sighs, rolling her eyes. She gives the card a dismissive throw onto the counter. Can't they ever leave me alone? Her phone buzzes in her pocket. She glances at the screen. Dad. Are you there yet? How’s the place? Ostap said he invited you for dinner. Be there.’ She ignores his message and sets her phone down. I've had enough of your schemes with Ostap, so stop trying to involve me in them. She turns to face the old radio on the counter and adjusts the dial until music fills the space. Louder. Loud enough to drown out her thoughts. She throws off her leather jacket and lays it down on a chair. Time to unpack. “All done, Malevolent.” Kateryna collapses onto her bed with her towel wrapped around her body and damp hair sticking to her shoulders. The unpacking process exceeded our expected time frame, yet now the place feels somewhat more like home. Her phone screen lights up as she checks her unread messages. Her friends. A ton from Dad. A couple from Mama. She chooses not to reply to her friends' messages and opens another chat application. The sight of the red notification dot makes her heart skip a beat. Four messages. Burya707: Still waiting for that picture. Burya707: Are you good? Haven’t seen you online all day. Burya707: No response? Should I be worried? Burya707: Hit me up when you can. Starting to wonder if you ghosted me. She bites her lip while her fingers remain suspended above the keyboard. Smirking, she types. TenebrisY: Aww, did you miss me? Didn’t know you were so needy. A typing bubble appears almost instantly. Burya707: Amusing. Not. Where the hell have you been? She smirks. During their online chatroom encounter, they discussed their wagers about the Alpha Gen Y Games. His smug declaration, “Told you so, love,” after winning the argument ignited something between them. Since then, they’d been talking almost daily. TenebrisY: Moving today, remember? Burya707: Right. How’s the place? TenebrisY: Secluded. A little cottage in the woods. Pretty quiet. Burya707: The big bad wolf hunts little girls deep in the forest; isn’t that news to you? TenebrisY: Listen up, sweetheart, because I embody the big bad wolf. Burya707: Yeah? With that tiny frame of yours? Her smirk deepens as she feels the inked vines and red roses that run down her shoulder. If he wants a picture… She positions her arm to shield what must remain hidden and maneuvers her phone. The boldest picture she’s sent him yet. TenebrisY: Here you go. Thoughts? ‘Seen.’ Her heart pounds. What’s he going to say?