THE AWAKENING OF THE CHOSEN

Mystery Solved

'Alpha the girl is awake.’ Dr. Arden mind linked to Zion.

‘I'm on my way.’ He linked her back. Zion was apprehensive. This was not a good time for an intrusion from an outsider. He and his father had recently attended an Alpha meeting with a few neighboring packs and there was great animosity among them. Rogue attacks had doubled recently, and his father felt it was too organized and the timing was too coincidental as well. When he voiced this, Janette's father, Alpha Mark, rudely interrupted, shutting his entire theory down. Saying it was ridiculous and pointing out that they were too stupid to organize anything. Which was the point his father was trying to make in the first place. Zion, as well as his father, knew his anger was because he had allowed Janette to join his pack and had not claimed her as a mate. This was one of the reasons a few of the other Alpha’s had an issue as well. Everyone was looking to gain something. Their daughters were bargaining tools for them and nothing more. When Zion took it upon himself to check the Alpha’s tone, he got offended. He started belittling his father. The disrespect was so blatant, Czar came to the surface grabbing the man by the throat. He had growled at the Alpha. Lifting him from his seat. “I have no problem with you expressing your opinions, Alpha, but you will award my father with the same respect he has given you.”

“Or what?” Alpha Mark growled at him. When he attempted to pull away, allowing his wolf to surface, Czar had stared into his eyes. Alpha Mark's wolf bowed down. The Alpha was older, and he knew he would not win in a battle with Zion. “Zion let him go! We have these meetings for the betterment of our kind. If we cannot have conversations without killing one another, we are all doomed.” His father had said. Now, Alpha Mark made a big display of shoving him off once Zion released him. Zion wasn’t cocky, he could have easily handled the man without ever changing to his wolf. His father kept him in check though, stating if he were to be forced to shift, his secret would be out and, as of now, the only people that knew of his existence were his loyal pack. On top of that brewing situation, the vampire treaty was again brought into play. It had been reported to the council that the humans thought they had a serial killer on the loose when, in actuality, there seemed to be a baby vamp on the loose unable to control his thirst. This made all the other species nervous. A lot of alphas wanted to renege on the treaty and start eliminating them again altogether. These were the issues he would inherit once his father stepped down. The last Chosen had put the treaty into place, and he would not go against his work. Nothing of use came from that meeting, but it was not a complete waste. He had discovered a hidden ability that he had no clue he had. He mind linked River to let him know the girl was awake. Before he left his office, he was there standing at the door.

"Can I see her?" He begged.

"Absolutely not River. You disobey direct orders by leaving our territory. You interrupted the ceremony because we had to rescue you and your little friend from those rogues, so humans will be roaming our woods in search of her. You can't do reckless things like this River." River knelt his head in shame. He truly hated being harsh with him, but he had to learn he was not exempt from rules. River was a hybrid of sorts. Most wolves couldn't shift until they reached the age of seventeen, but Rivers' father was a hybrid of sorts; his origin was unknown. He was a sorcerer, and his mother was a shapeshifter. So, he was able to shift when he was just a toddler and now 13, he could barely keep up with him. Just last month he managed to somehow get picked up by the patrol of a neighboring pack. He was trespassing. "You can't roam another territory without permission." In their pack, they were responsible for each other. So, River was dear to his heart, almost like a little brother.

"Sorry Alpha, I just didn't want her to be alone. She seems so sad and lost," he said sadly. Zion could tell he cared a lot for her. He was young once too, so he simply nodded. Now, at age twenty, he ran the pack for the most part.

"Your mother may need your help today. Go and see what she has planned and let me know when you're done."

"Yes, Alpha." He said and took off running. The boy had crazy energy. Zion headed over to the pack hospital and found Dr. Arden was waiting by her office. "Alpha step into my office." She directed him to a chair inside.

She walked around her desk and sat down. A scent hit his nose and he almost growled. "Dr. Arden, what is that amazing scent you're wearing? His wolf was beginning to stir too. She shook her shoulders and ignored the lust that was in his eyes.

"I think I know why the girl doesn't know who or what she is. Apparently, she was found by humans wandering around in the woods about 19 years ago. That was around the time when the rogues were running around terrorizing our lands. Before, they were pushed out by the packs in this area. If Kaleigha was part of a pack and-

“Kaleigha."

"Yes, that is her name. Pinkney and I will call my brother again. There's something about that name that sounds familiar. Anyway she has been raised by humans and she is taking medication."

"Go on." She sighed heavily.

"Alpha it suppresses hallucinations. Delusions and things like that. I suspect when the girl turned seventeen and her wolf spoke to her, she thought she was crazy. The humans gave her this to block the voice of her wolf, which is why she has never shifted."

"That's horrible!" Your wolf is a part of you. Often, losing your wolf is like losing your mate. It can cause you to become feral.

"It is sad, Alpha, the poor girl seems so lost. It explains why her scent is so sparse. It seems to be stronger since she has been here." Dr. Arden's words made him think of Rivers' words as well. He had a dilemma. Having her here could cause problems for the pack. This was his main priority as Alpha, but having an unshifted female living among humans was not any better. What if her wolf took control and she shifted at the wrong time or place?

"Time to meet this girl."

"It's all so interesting. I find her very mysterious."

"I wonder how many others there are like her?" Zion said.

"Hopefully not many. Alpha, there is something else we should take into consideration. She was having a nightmare and I couldn't help but peek." She averted her eyes as she said this because she felt he would not approve. Dr. Arden, like he and his mother, had very special gifts. They had the ability to comb through people's minds. Zion thought it was rude, but in this case, he would let it pass.

"And what did you see?"

"Trauma to her it was just a dream, but it was not a dream, it was a memory. She called the boy Krishna. Alpha, she is the right age to have suffered through the great decree. I'm wondering possibly if this is how her parents died and, somehow, she was spared."

"What did you see, Dr. Arden?"

"She was playing in a field of wildflowers with a boy about the same age, most likely a brother, when an arrow pierced him in the heart." Dr. Arden's face was flushed, and she grabbed a tissue. The girl's feelings had transferred to her.

"Goddess, that is horrible." He now decided to take the seat she offered. He couldn't imagine life without his wolf, and this girl had not known her wolf and she'd been ripped away as just a pup from her family. He felt for her because he understood how it felt not to know exactly who you were.

Wolves often choose to live among humans. A lot did this to support their packs. They were fortunate enough to have had everything they needed. They only left the community for supplies. They had young pups that enjoyed movies and restaurants and things of that nature. Some of the pups chose to live among humans to go to human schools so they could become things to help in the pack. As Alpha, he encouraged the pups to continue their education. He was a bit sheltered in ways by his parents.

"Alpha no luck this year?" Dr. Arden asked. He shook his head. Once again, to clear his thoughts, "What?"

"No luck finding your mate." He had not found his mate. His wolf was getting restless and, to be honest, he was too. His father was ready to step down and officially make him Alpha, but he needed a Luna. He was one of the few Alphas that were able to choose his mate but wanted to wait for his true mate. He had heard horror stories about Wolves that had chosen a mate and then here comes your true mate. She was selected for you by the Moon Goddess herself.

"No, and I know she is out there."

"Well, there is always Emoni," She said with a wink. The name gave Zion chills. Emoni was the She wolf his father had selected. She was pretty enough but something about her just rubbed him wrong. The woman could not keep her hands to herself. He sighed, thinking that maybe he could grow to love her. She was the third princess that he had met at Omar's ranch. He couldn't shake her because she had latched on to him.

"I called to have some food prepared for our guests at the packhouse. Have you eaten?"

"No, I haven't." He'd been working with his Beta with the pack warriors since early this morning.

"Great you can join our anonymous she-wolf." She led him out of her office. His wolf began to go berserk 'What is it, Czar'

He was too excited to answer. Dr. Arden looked at me concerned. "Alpha, are you okay?"

"Yes, my wolf is just, well unsettled suddenly."

Dr. Arden nodded, "Shall we continue?"

"Yes." She opened the door, and his nose was hit with the most intoxicating scent he’d ever encountered. It was like the smell of fresh rain, saltwater, everything. It was like someone had taken scents of the world and bottled it. It was simply everything and on top of that, it carried an almost presence with it. Like you were being engulfed. Dr. Arden was blocking his view. He gently pushed her to the side. He simply had to see the source, where it was coming from. His eyes immediately connected with the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. She had soft brown almond-shaped eyes and luscious pouty lips. Her almond complexion was simply mesmerizing. Even with a hospital gown on, her figure was enticing. His wolf's speed had him next to her bed in seconds. She was just staring at him rather blankly. He reached for her hair, brushing it away from her perfect face. She smiled as he leaned closer, touching her cheek with the back of his hand. She leaned into his hand and let out a soft moan. He could smell her lust as she looked him up and down. He felt the sparks as soon as his fingers touched her soft skin. ’MATE!’ Czar said with excitement. She had leaned forward deeper into his touch. He just had to do it. He simply could not resist; he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. She did not resist, so he leaned in further, deepening the kiss. Her breathing became sporadic as he fed her hunger. 'Take her now', Czar growled. He instantly came to his senses. Pulling away from her.

"Excuse." He said and fled the scene.

'Alpha' Dr. Arden mind linked him.

'Dr. Arden I apologize I-'

'No need to apologize to me,' she laughed 'Maybe Emoni. You should come back though your mate looks thoroughly confused.'

Zion couldn't believe it, my Mate. He kept saying the words over and over. He'd found her. His wolf was really going crazy now. 'What are you doing? Why are we not with our mate? Go to her; I want her now! Claim her!'

'Czar calm down! She has been raised by humans and she is not familiar with our ways. Do you wish to scare her away?' He whimpered at the thought. A million questions swarmed his head. Mate, I have a mate, he thought to himself, smiling. He was beginning to think maybe his mate had perished in one of the raids, or in some other way. No, she was lost and confused. So beautiful, Moon Goddess, thank you for your kindness. He praised her. Almost giddy, he practically skipped from Dr. Arden's office until he ran dead smack into my father, Alpha Lucas Rails, one of the most fearless and ruthless Alphas there was.

"Zion."

"Father," He said, trying not to smile. His father looked at him with amusement. His mother, Luna Rochelle, studied his face,

"What is this smile you're nearly glowing?" Her eyes suddenly grew large. "You found her!" She said, practically bouncing up and down. He could not hold back any longer.

"Yes mother, I found my mate."

"Oh, I knew it! Where is she? Who is the lucky wolf? Finally, grandkids Lucas!"

"Woah, mom, slow down. This is complicated." Zion said, holding his hands up.

"Why is it complicated, son?" His father asked. His mother looked so concerned. Waiting for me to answer.

"Father she-" Just then Dr. Arden came out of the pack hospital followed by his mate. His heart literally skipped a beat.

"She doesn't know," Zion said, his father looked from him to her standing shyly behind Dr. Arden. Her cheeks blushed when she saw him, and she quickly looked away.

"Hello dear, I see you are feeling better." His mother said to his mate. Kaleigha smiled at her as if she was in awe. Zion knew it was because Rochelle did not seem to age, and she was very beautiful.

"Yes, ma'am thank you I am." She said smiling. Zion thought she had such a beautiful smile.

"I was taking Kaleigha to the packhouse for lunch. She needs to get her strength up." Dr. Arden said, holding her arm.

"Kaleigha, what a beautiful name. Where did it derive from?"

Lucas asked Kaleigha. She looked at him and said, "I don't know." She bit her lip. Zion could feel that she felt uncomfortable.

His mother reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

"Well, my name is Rochelle, and this is my husband, Lucas, and of course you know our son Zion." She said waving toward him. Kaleigha shook her head. Yes, then no.

"I did not formally introduce myself, love." He said a little embarrassed.

'I thought it was a great introduction. Her lips were so soft. And our mate is stacked!' Czar growled with lust.

"I know you're hungry. Shall we head to the packhouse for lunch?" Rochelle said.

"Great idea!" Dr. Arden said, "I actually had lunch so you can go along with Zion."

"Yes, then may-" Rochelle froze because Kaleigha was rubbing under the bandage around her head, and it slid off. Her beautiful hair cascaded down her shoulders and as she ran her fingers through her hair the black and silver streaks turned completely white, it was absolutely beautiful. Kaleigha gasped as she saw her hair on her shoulder. "My hair!" She shrieked and ran back into the pack hospital to her room and straight to the mirror. There she froze. As she stared at herself.

"She is a Silver Moon wolf son. Once she meets her mate, her hair changes colors. Just another way of letting others know she is spoken for." She whispered.

"Well, one mystery is solved." Dr. Arden said walking over to my mate and touching her hair that seemed to now have a luminescent glow.

"How sad." My mother said in a way that made Zion look at her face. Her eyes were watery.

"Mother, what is it?" Zion asked.

"She is the last of her kind."

In the realm of the Gods

Emanual stood speaking with one of his Angels when Isaac approached him. He did not have to speak; he knew his thoughts. “How is that possible, Isaac?”

“I’m not sure, my Lord, but there is an extra name and I have checked it and rechecked it.”

With the wave of his hand, he then stood in the Library of the Halls of Justice where the Book of Life was kept. Emanuel stood looking at The Book of Life. He flipped through the pages. He was the God of Gods and the only one capable of giving life. The only names in this book were names he blessed with a predisposed divine purpose. Yet, before him stood a puzzled Isaac, and even as he flipped through the pages, he knew what he would find. All-knowing he was, yet sometimes he simply had to see things for himself. He didn’t check the Book of Life often. He had no need to because he felt it in his core every life that he blessed. Imprinted upon the pages, it had been twenty years ago when he felt an unusual wave go through him. He had chosen to ignore it then. It was more of a fatherly disposition than that of a God. Why? He also knew that among the Gods who roamed the heavens there were only a few that had his abilities, but none would dare to grant life without asking his permission. He could have handled this then but instead he did not. He wanted to give his child a chance to explain, yet she had not come to him. This was considered an act of treason! His heart broke as he ran his finger across the name. He could feel the darkness, nearly taste the souls that she had claimed that did not belong to her. The atrocities she had committed were horrific. He was more furious with himself than her. He had allowed this to happen. Only one person could be responsible for an act this bold. An act punishable by death.

“Isaac, Gabriel is to send a message to the underworld immediately. I want every soul that belongs to me released. If this is not done by nightfall, I declare war!”

“Yes, My Lord, and what are we to do about the girl?” Isaac asked.

“Let him deal with her. I only want the soul’s return and she is to take no more! And Isaac, for now, this is between you and I, understand?”

“Yes, my Lord?”

Emanuel set back as he stared at the name imprinted in his Book of Life. He ran his finger across it again and frowned at it with disdain, as if it was a dirty stain. He began to rewind the pages of her life, from the beginning, to see what this disciple of the underworld had been up to. He relaxed on his great throne. Combing through the past was always tedious. It would take time.