Alpha Ryder's Revenge

Chapter Two

Aria walked briskly from her bedroom to her father's study. He had summoned her again. This was the third time today. If these meetings and discussions hadn't been necessary to his keeping of the title as Alpha of the Ravenclaw pack, she would have walked out of the house each time he sent for her. But he was a good schemer and had what it took to shake his enemies with the least effort. She rapped on the door and went in.

“You sent for me, Dad."

“Of course I did, Aria."

His padded executive chair faced the floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the huge pool behind their mansion. He didn't turn, even for once to look at her face, and it pained her so much. She didn't have childhood memories of being touched - let alone held - by him. She clenched her fists at her sides, tightening her jaw simultaneously to get the pain out of her voice.

“I have another assignment for you, my dear. There's a new target for you to hunt down for your father."

“Who could that be?"

“His heart blood could bring your mother back to us from The Veil.”

Aria swallowed at the mention of the name. It was a place of limbo between the living and the dead, a place for souls that didn't cross over.

Stormbringer knew who he was talking about, but he never thought it necessary to let his daughter know the names of her targets. She always completed the assignments without the names pretty well.

“He's one of the cockiest young werewolves among us in Ravenswood. The one who established that self-defense academy where the unthinkable happens: where humans and werewolves are allowed to interact and exchange customs." He wrinkled his nose in disgust.

Of course, Aria knew the werewolf, but not by name.

“I know him, father. What's the deadline?"

Stormbringer chuckled.

“There's no deadline for this particular task. You can take as long as you want: he's a very difficult type."

Aria took note of the seriousness of her new task. Her father bluntly not giving her a deadline was an indication that she must tread with caution. She had to devise other means. It wasn't business as usual.

She went back to her room and took out her grey hoodie. She could go to the library. He usually went there. No big surprise about his said knowledgeability. She took her car keys.

Aria walked into the library, keeping a low profile. She was about to branch off into the fanfiction section when she bumped into a blonde teenager. The girl had a couple of books and had fallen over badly. Aria nervously picked up the books and handed them to the girl.

“Thank you, Aria. I am Ayla-Diana."

Taken aback, Aria stared blankly at the lithe teenager, who was already heading out of the library. Returning to her senses, she tried to chase after her but didn't find a trace of her outside the library. Aria returned to the library and checked out a fanfiction novel. She didn't want her coming to the library to be a complete waste. At least it could serve as a useful distraction while she worked hard at this new task assigned to her by her father.

She headed out of the library and got back into her car. She drove home at top speed, not quite enjoying how high the sun particularly was that afternoon.

~~~~~~~~~~

Caden walked quietly into the study and shut the door gently behind him.

“Do you have something you want to talk about, Alpha Ryder? You seem restless."

Alpha Ryder chuckled.

“Let's say it's from the whole excitement I get as the academy will be admitting new students in a week."

Caden scoffed.

“You could tell that to a kid, Ryder. I'm old enough to see when something's not right, or quite off."

Alpha Ryder reclined in his chair and shook his head.

“The time is getting near, Caden. Our army is rising, but we still don't have a hold on our enemy."

“I'm afraid that would require more time. They could keep training till we have found the target. Remember what Uncle Mark always says about being prepared?"

A wistful smile passed over Ryder's features.

“Yes. A planned battle is ninety-nine percent won."

“I think you know better, Ryder. These soldiers don't even know what they're fighting for. Most of them are young people and aren't very strong. How do you think they'll defeat Stormbringer?"

Alpha Ryder's eyes reddened in annoyance.

“Just wait until we have a location." He pursed his lips and then exhaled. “I don't know why he has been off the grid. I can't seem to find him."

Caden was bemused, primarily because Alpha Ryder had no clue what this wolf looked like physically. He only let out a light chuckle

“In that case, it's best to wait until we can find something useful. I don't want to endanger all the young people under my care."

Alpha Ryder regarded his beta with so much pride. Time and again, he had proven himself worthy of the title.

“Let's go to see Ayla-Diana. She will have a clue as to what we should do. We could ascertain that we were about to embark on a fruitless quest. Besides, it's good to know if the moon spirit has chosen to favor you."

Alpha Ryder didn't need any more convincing. He shot up from his chair.

“Let's go already. I know she'll know what we're going to see her for."

The duo went down into the garage. Caden stepped on the gas, and soon, they were flying at breakneck speed with so much efficiency.

“Ryder," Ayla-Diana called softly as the alpha and his beta entered her small cabin. “You should wait where you ought to. Impatience has made many pay through the nose for its consequences, Ryder. Make your choice.”

Alpha Ryder glanced sideways at Caden. He obviously knew what would come next.

“And you still haven't shown interest in finding out who I have fated you to." Ayla-Diana poured the poultice she had made out of the miniature mortar. “That's the only way you can reach your full potential and defeat Stormbringer."

“You already know who she is, I suppose. What does she look like?"

Ayla-Diana chuckled softly, more to herself.

“Eyes the color of the ocean that see into the soul. Hair the color of a raven with a beautiful luster. Comely to behold is she, but you also must be discerning. She will be with your rise or downfall; depending on what footholds you give her."

Alpha Ryder took in everything, pondering on the words. He also wondered how he was to go about the search for this mate of his.

“Not to worry, Ryder. You both will find yourselves when you're least ready." She assured him.

Caden signaled to Alpha Ryder that they leave. Alpha Ryder thanked Ayla-Diana and gave her the magical mint that he had managed to grow in a pot.

“I'll be back if I have questions. Thank you."

Ayla-Diana nodded quietly and continued her sequential stirring of different liquids after the wolves left her cabin.