Lord Of The Wolves

Evelyn wiped the sweat from her brow before she began to jerk at another weed. It was a bit sturdier than the previous ones but after three hard tugs she ripped it out of the ground, roots and all. She looked at her thick gloved hands and then at the now tidy garden, smiling proudly to herself. Her garden was coming along beautifully, the Marigold had finally begun to bloom and the Leyland Cypress's brush was already thick and lively. There were many other flowers growing in the mix, an appealing melting pot of colours. However, it was the Forget-me-nots that always stood out to her the most. "Eve." The brunette rose to a stand, the knees of her baggy jumpsuit stained by the earth. She turned to face the owner of the voice, her mother, Dianne. A beautiful woman with a kind face and welcoming appearance. An older version of Evelyn, but ravenette with greying hair and eyes that glimmered in a way that made anyone feel at home. "Yes, mom?" "Dinner's ready, sweetie. Oh and," Dianna gestured toward the weeds Evelyn had plucked out of the garden. "You can pick those up and throw them in the fireplace so the seeds can die properly." "So I shouldn't use it for compost?" Evelyn's mother shook her head with an 'Mm mm.' "Best not take the risk. Weeds are like parasites, especially those since they're an invasive species. Once they're there you'll have a lot of trouble getting rid of them." Evelyn gave a nod. She wasn't ready for that fiasco. "Alright, thanks mom. I'll be there for dinner in a minute, I just want to clean up first. You guys can start without me if I take too long." With a firm dip of her head and a small smile, the middle aged woman disappeared into the aging farmhouse. She turned back to the garden, gathering her gardening tools. They were antique, some of the paint already chipping off. Yet she chose to keep them regardless. Carefully, she put them away in the shed before shutting the noisy door and made her way back home. Evelyn removed her yellow gloves before shoving them into the pocket of her overalls. She then took off the overalls, folding the jumpsuit and tucking it underneath her arm. Luckily she wore a comfortable pair of shorts and a button up white V-neck underneath. She stepped inside the house, neatly placing the clothes on her mother's old Trousseau chest that stood in the doorway. "Ah, one more thing." She hurtled back outside, nearly forgetting about the weeds. Evelyn gathered them in her palm before entering the farmhouse once again. On her way to the bathroom, she passed the living room and threw the weeds in the fireplace before washing her hands and retreating to the dining room. Both her parents had already started eating, her mother halfway through her meal and her father already treating himself to a second helping of chicken and rice. Evelyn sat down across from her mother, her helping of supper already served. She took a bite, closing her eyes as she savoured the delightful taste of her mother's cooking. It was a bit cool, although, that was to be expected. After a few more hungry spoonfuls of rice she looked at her dad, greeting him before asking; "How was work?" "Pretty eventful, actually." He let out a hearty chuckle. "One of the sheep learned how to operate the gate and helped his buddies escape. We had to up our," He paused, making air quotes. "'Security' with that one." She chuckled softly, glad her father had a fun day at work. Farming was no easy task, but the passion and love he had for his job made her happy. Her mother joined in, adding a laugh of her own. "Oh goodness." She said. "Sheep seem to be a lot smarter than I thought." "You'd be surprised." Replied her husband, Chesney, with a chuckle. "Oh!" The ravenette beamed with excitement as she suddenly remembered something. "Since Evelyn is here right now, why not show her the letter? I mean, it is for her after all." She wore a giddy expression as she spoke. Evelyn c****d a brow. "I got a letter?" She questioned with a mouth full of chicken. "Well," Her father pushed his glasses back to rest on the brige of his nose. "Not you specifically. The letter's more addressed to all unmated female werewolves. Your mother was just over exaggerating." Evelyn's mother rolled her eyes, although, the intention was playful. She then retrieved an already opened envelope from her dress pocket, handing it to Evelyn. "It came in the mail today." She explained. Evelyn took the envelope, looking at the broken seal. It was the emblem of The Oasis. A pack ruled by Alpha Alexander Charn, the lord of all alphas. That could only mean... "This letter is from the king?" "Ah, harder. Just like that." A bead of sweat began to form on Alexander's brow but he was too focused to wipe it away. "Come on, pound me harder." Noah exclaimed, keeping the punching bag steady as Alexander threw another punch at it. "Noah." He warned. "You're making this weird." As annoyed as he was by his friend's lewd double entendre, he couldn't keep a serious face. "Come on, man!" Noah smirked at him. "You have admit, it spices things up. Now punch me harder." The blonde wiggled his eyebrows, the final gesture that made Alexander burst out in boyish laughter. "You look ridiculous when you do that. I hope you know it." Noah chuckled softly. Although, their moment of childish lollygagging was brought to and end when a guard ran into the training room. He made an inclination of respect before addressing the two of them. "Your Majesty, Beta Noah, we have a problem." The guard seemed distressed as he spoke. "Speak." Alexander ordered. "We found a body outside the pack border. It belongs to one of us." Both men became grim upon the news, Noah's cheery grin fading into a look of displeasure. Alexander's lips were set. "Lead the way. Does anyone else know about this?" With a curt nod, the burly figure turned to lead them to their fallen pack member. "Not as far as I'm aware." He answered while marching ahead, Alexander and Noah following short on his heels. The body was hidden behind a thick brush only a kilometre away from Oasis territory. The three men gathered around it. It was a man, laying face down in the mud. Noah was the first to speak. "This was no doubt intentional. Why else hide the body so far from the pack?" "Do you...Do you think the murderer is one of our people?" The guard uttered hesitantly. "No." Both Noah and the guard looked at Alexander, the guard being careful not to make direct eye contact. "The killer's scent would've been all over the body, we would've known if it was one of us." "Hang on." Noah crouched down next to the corpse. "There's no scent at all. It doesn't make any sense." "We'll get a trustworthy and qualified member to examine the body. For now, this death is to remain classified." Alexander cast his gaze to the guard. "Not a word about this to anyone." The guard nodded rapidly, gulping before mumbling a meek "Yes, your Majesty." Noah rose to a stand. "I'll bring Gretta over, she can help." Alexander nodded in approval. Gretta was a longtime ally of The Oasis, having helped out a lot even during his father's time of reigning over the pack. Alexander watched Noah's figure dart off to get help. "Guard the body, I have to consult someone." The guard answered with a bow, rising only once Alexander was out of sight. Obediently, he guarded the body while waiting for Noah's return.