The Silverclaw Chronicles: Where will Fear take You?

Aiden Alexander Blackblood

Chapter Three

Aiden

What can I say about the new Leadership Training Program with the Lycan King? The King created it with the Elder Council to be a three-year program for all future Alphas and Betas once they graduate high school. He wants to prepare us for battles and wars with other supernatural beings, especially Vampires. I have come to find out that he also wants to use it as a way to get to know each of us better for selection of a Leadership Council that will work with him and the Elder Council directly in all decision-making matters. I have learned a lot from the King so far and feel that I am in his good favor.

With all of the attacks on our lands over the last decades, I understand why it is important to train all of us future leaders together, but being away from our Packs can be challenging. Don't get me wrong, the King is very wise to teach us how to work together, strategize, and learn from each other and our past. Over the last two years, I have been a part of some major decisions creating changes to all Pack life across our nation and I am proud of that. We are given the opportunity to grow and take part in things that affect all of our kind, not just learning from the King and the Elder Council, but working with them. However, hearing that there was a vampire attack at our borders that took the lives of two of our own and being too far away to do anything is weighing on me.

You see...Kyle and I came to the Capitol to train right after high school. My name is Aiden Blackblood and I am the 19-year-old future Alpha of Moon's Edge Pack. Kyle is my best friend, future Beta, and the son of my father's Beta. We have only been home a few times during breaks and while I am fine with being away, I am man enough to admit that it presents its challenges too. I miss my family and friends. I know that I am learning a lot here, but my father has successfully run one of the largest Packs in our nation and I should be learning from him as well. Plus, when attacks happen like what they just experienced, I would have been there to fight off our enemy.

Besides my family and Pack responsibilities, there are other reasons why it would be nice to be back at home. I still haven't found my mate and it is hard enough to do from home, but here in the Capitol it is starting to feel impossible. There are plenty of she-wolves around for us to get to know, but there is very little time for socializing. I need to get home so that I can start to actively look for my mate. My mother has planned events every time we have been able to visit, inviting all of the eligible she-wolves from our Pack and surrounding ones, but unfortunately, all she has done is help some other guys walk away with their mates. I am happy for them, but getting frustrated for many reasons. I want to find my mate, of course, but I have needs too and if I can't find her soon, I will need to pick a chosen mate instead. I won't admit any of this to anyone, but I appreciate my mother's help and I am ready to be tied to someone. I have even been thinking lately that Addison wouldn't be the worst choice for a mate. She can be a bit possessive and demanding, but I know we are compatible in lots of ways. Mom has been telling me that we have some new families that have joined the Pack with some daughters close to my age. She is constantly hoping to find my fated mate before I give into temptation and take Addy back. It's not that she didn't like her when we dated, but I think it is like the saying goes that no woman is good enough for a mother's son.

Luckily, I am not alone in my search. Kyle hasn't found his mate either, but neither have 2/3s of the future leaders we are training with here. Whenever the King does see fit to give us even small breaks, the town can get a little crazy with so many unmated Alphas and Betas roaming the place looking for some action. Strip clubs fill up pretty fast, but honestly, they get boring quickly. The Dance Clubs aren't bad, but I don't get the same thrill from any of it anymore. I don't know what is wrong with me; but the closer I get to my 20th birthday, the less I just want a one-night stand. Kyle swears that I will get over it when we get home for this much needed break. He thinks that some down time away from all of this will be just what I need to get back on the party scene with him, but doesn't want it to be with his sister, Addy. It makes me laugh to think about it. Most people would think that a big brother would tell you to stay away from his sister to protect her, but he seems to think he needs to do this to keep me out of her clutches. He will tell you that she is his sister and he loves her, but that she is a power-hungry b***h when she wants to be (his words not mine!). I am ready to see if I can recover some more of my carefree nature once we are home, but I guess we will see, because there is only one week left before we head home for a month.

We have been in almost constant meetings for four days straight about the recent Vampire attacks on three of our packs. I have communicated with my father and mother, Alpha Marcus and Luna Micaela, to make sure that we have the most accurate information. The other future Alphas where attacks occurred have done the same. All of the attacks have similarities just like the patterns we have seen over the past years. I am not sure why yet, but I keep coming back to the children of each of these families. Many of them have the common denominator of being adopted and many of them from outside the Pack they are currently living in. Of course, the one that draws my attention the most is Amelia Silverclaw, who is a member of our Pack after many detours from others. There is something about her that unsettles me. I even try to bring it up in a video chat with my parents.

"I would like you to consider sending the girl here to the Capitol." I start, but am not given any time to explain further.

"Aiden Alexander, I can't believe that you would ask us to ship off this sweet girl who has been through so much." Mom gives me a look of sadness as she speaks. "She is trying to heal. Even your sister loves having her here and wants to help her through this time."

"Mom, I am not trying to be insensitive, but the fact that Jessie is spending time with her affirms my opinion on this matter even more. There is something about these Transferred Orphans that is leading the Vampires to their doors, especially the girl that you are now letting live with you and the kids." I try to justify my thoughts.

Mom just huffs in response and then Dad speaks, "Son, I know that you mean well, but Amelia is just a she-wolf like your own sisters. She has no one and if she is really a target for some reason, then the Pack house is the best place for her."

"Dad, I have spoken to the King about this and he is looking into the pattern more surrounding the Orphans, but I can tell you that none of them have been attacked as much as Amelia. I know you want to protect her because she is a part of the Pack, but you also have to think about everyone else." I add standing by my concerns.

Dad nods his head with understanding. "I know where you are coming from, Son. Honestly, I am happy to see you thinking like the leader I always knew you would be, but part of the role is to protect ALL members of your Pack, especially the ones that cannot do it themselves. I would die for any member of my Pack, not just your mother and my pups. Maybe you will feel differently once you are home and get to know Amelia some. She has been a part of our Pack for 2 years, but hasn't been to hardly any social events. You need to know the girl before you are sending her away from her life, don't you think?" He expertly adds. How can I argue with that?

"Alright. We will discuss this more once I am home, but I want your word that you will consider my recommendations on this matter and take them seriously." I think I can slip that in so that he knows how important I feel this is.

"Aiden!?!" Mom says in shock. I look at her and can see the disappointment on her face. "She is a beautiful young lady who has been through far too much in her short life. She will not be put under a spotlight by you or the King. You can get to know her, but will not interrogate this poor girl. Do you understand?" Mom huffs again as she waits for my response. I simply nod my head slowly. Then she adds with finality, "And let me make this clear, she will not be shuffled off to the Capitol before she even gets to finish high school...No matter what you or the King thinks!"

I could see Dad lightly rubbing Mom's arms to try to calm her down. I didn't mean to upset her, but I am worried about my family and my Pack. I am also worried about this girl and honestly think that the Capitol might be the safest place for her. Seeing the look in my mother's eyes, I concede to her and decide to let this conversation wait until I am home in a few days.

"I am sorry that I upset you, Mom. I will be respectful and polite when I meet her. We can all discuss things later." I say trying to appease her and ease the tension I created.

"Alright. That is better. I am looking forward to seeing you soon." She says with a small smile. "We will have a wonderful party for you and Kyle the first night you are home, so please be ready for that."

I knew she would be planning something. "Thanks, Mom. We are looking forward to it."

"There will be so many eligible young she-wolves here." She adds with some excitement. "We have new young ladies in our Pack as well as from surrounding ones. You and Kyle will not have a problem finding your mates while you are home, I just know it!"

I have to laugh at the complete switch in my mother's attitude as soon as she starts talking about her plans. A part of me is excited to hear about the party that she is having for us, but the other part of me is starting to wonder if a fated mate is just not in my stars. I know that the Moon Goddess has a plan for me, but maybe it is just not to have a mate any time soon. Either way, it will be nice to get home and see everyone. I really need some time to relax and reconnect with people, especially Addy, so I can decide how to move forward.

"That sounds great, Mom. Don't worry Kyle and I will be well rested for all of the matchmaking that you have planned." I laughed as I teased my mom about all the parties I am sure she has planned.

She just smiles and shakes her head at me. "It will be good to have you home, Aiden. We miss you." She says in her loving mom tone and then she adds with a serious face. "Please be patient, Son. I know that the Moon Goddess has the perfect person for you!"

I nod. "Alright, Mom. I better get off of here and finish up my packing and get some sleep. We have an early start tomorrow with the Council." She and Dad both nod their heads and tell me Goodbye before disconnecting our video chat. I did a little more packing, but decide I still have the next few days to finish, so I go ahead to catch some shut eye.

Before my alarm can even go off the next morning, Kyle bounds into the room with a luggage trolley loaded down with what looks like most of his belongings. I raise my eyebrow at him and give him a curious look while rubbing the sleep from my eyes. He starts to grab the things that I have packed up and adds them to his pile.

"The King just sent out a message that we are all dismissed. He wants us to get back home a few days early to conduct more in-depth interviews about the attacks and send our reports to him, the Council, and all of our classmates. He says that we need to be ready to leave within the hour. He has his jet ready to fly everyone home and everyone in our region is the first stop. I knew you probably let your phone die, so here I am to get your lazy ass up!" Kyle explains quickly with a big grin while grabbing my trunk out to throw more stuff in.

"Well s**t, we better hurry then." I reply while I jump out of bed and into action. I text Mom and Dad first so that they knew we will be on our way early. Mom sends an immediate message back saying not to worry because she can move up the Welcome Home Party without any issues. This is the last thing that I am worried about, but it did make me laugh, especially because of her quick response at this early hour.

Kyle and I make short work of my room getting everything packed up quickly and taken down to the waiting cars. Everyone is loading up and the King comes out to talk to us all before we drive away.

"I look forward to getting your reports on the attacks. We have to decide how to end this madness quickly and once and for all. I want all of you to have a good and productive break and then we will see you back here in a month." He announces to all of us. Before he goes back into his Pack house, he comes over to Kyle and me. "I am very interested in knowing more about Amelia Silverclaw. If my historians are correct, she could very well be the last remaining survivor of the Silverclaw Pack. While we still don't know what this for sure has to do with the Vampire attacks, I am intrigued by your theories, Aiden. I think that you may need to send her here as soon as you are done conducting interviews and the Council and I will take care of her from there forward. We will talk soon." He shakes our hands and turns back to go inside.

Kyle shakes his head at me and then says, "Aiden, you know that we can't force this girl to come here, right? From what Mom has told me, she has been shipped from one Pack to another every time tragedy strikes. That's a lot for anyone."

"I know that, but if it is what is best for the Pack and her, then we have to get it done." I reply patting him on the back as we load up into the car and take off to the airport.

The plane ride goes quickly. We are onboard with twenty other leaders. Our airport is the first stop and ten of us get off of the plane here. We all got into vehicles and start the drives to our individual Packs: 1. Myself and Kyle to Moon's Edge, 2. Blake and Carson to Wolf Moon, 3. Lucian and Robert to Blue Moon, 4. Dante and Brock to Thunder Moon, and 5. Wilson and Xander to Snow Moon. I knew I would be seeing most of them soon, so we just part with simple waves and nods before taking off.

The drive to our Pack doesn't take long at all as we are the largest and most centrally located Pack in this region. As we start to pull up, I can see the warriors lined up in front of the Pack house with Mom and Dad right out front with Beta Keagon and Carly. The car stops and Kyle and I climb out. We are each hugged by our mothers immediately and then greeted by our fathers more formally with a handshake. I know the formality is because we are in front of all of the warriors, since both Dad and Uncle Keagon are big huggers when they think no one is looking. Dad wants us to inspect the warriors and then we dismiss them.

Since we are home early, I have no idea what Mom has planned now, but honestly, part of me is just looking forward to relaxing. Unfortunately, that is not in the cards.

"We are so glad that you boys are back in time for the morning training," Dad says.

"Yes we are. We think it would be great for you to lead things today so that you can get right back into the routine around here." Keagon adds with a smile.

I know that they are just looking forward to having a break since we are here to take over, but I know that they deserve it. "I don't think that will be a problem, Alpha." I reply to Dad and he smiles.

"That is good, Aiden. Your Dad and Uncle have to help us with all of the final preparations for your Welcome home Party this evening." Mom announces as she comes up to the four of us with a grin on her face.

"Right...that was exactly what we were planning to do, Dear." Dad says, slyly trying to cover up his disappointment.

Kyle and I both laugh and Dad gives us a side-eye glare. Mom starts going over the list of things that still need to be done and I have to shake my head because she is going way overboard with all the plans that she has. I am not about to say anything though.

"I hate to interrupt, but before training starts, Kyle and I have some things we would like to go over with you and Beta Keagon." I tell Dad, not just trying to save them from the huge list Mom and Carly have for them, but also really needing to discuss some things with them...especially the Amelia Silverclaw situation.

Mom stops with her list and nods her head, knowing that we need to catch up on some Pack business before all her festivities. I give her a kiss on the cheek and another hug as I follow Dad into the Pack house and up to his office. As soon as we enter, I pick up on several new scents throughout the house. I am surprised by how many there are, but I know that they have welcomed new families to the Pack that I will need to get to know. We reach the second floor where all of the offices are located and I am anxious to jump right in. Once the door is closed, we all sit down and that is when things get serious.

"Son, before you say anything, I want you both to know how happy we are to have you home even though it is only for a month." I start to reply, but Dad puts up his hand so that he can finish. "I know that you want to discuss Amelia, but we have all talked about this at length and she will be staying here until she is done with high school and then she can decide what she wants to do from there."

"That is right." Uncle Keagon agrees. "We didn't make the decision to move her into the Pack house lightly. She is a young lady and none of us wanted her to stay out in her parents' home alone. Both of your mothers agree with us and feel very strongly that she needs to be left alone for now."

I am a bit shocked and Kyle actually responds before me. "The King has asked us to conduct interviews and she is one of the main people that we need to talk to here."

"We understand that, but she has been through so much and she doesn't even know either of you that well," Dad replies.

"And we get that, but her parents are gone and I am sure that she wants answers as much as the rest of us. We can wait a day or so to let her feel more comfortable with everything, but this has to happen and sooner rather than later. There are too many lives at stake to wait." I add and both Dad and Keagon nod their heads.

"Alright, Son. Just be patient and we will discuss this more and make the best plan for everyone." He says as he stands and walks over to me. "Now, we need to get you two to training or the whole day will be behind."

We all walk out and start to head back downstairs. I stop about halfway down and ask one more thing even though I know it won't go over well. "Dad, I do have one very serious request." He stops and looks back at me with questioning eyes, so I go on. "I think that it'll be best if Amelia stays in the Pack house and doesn't attend school right now with all of the others."

"Aiden, that is ridiculous." Dad responds without even considering what I am asking.

"Look, I know you feel bad for her, but it is safer for everyone if she is under this roof until we know more. I don't want anything to happen to Jessie or Laura or anyone else." I try explaining to him why I don't think it is too much to ask, but he is already upset with me.

Before I can say anything else, I catch sight of all of my siblings as they are leaving for school. I see a girl with dark hair linked arm in arm with Jessie. I know this has to be Amelia and I try to get my sister's attention so that I can at least introduce myself, but she just waves to me as she's hurrying out the door. I rush down the rest of the stairs and try to catch up to them. I can't explain it, but I feel a sense of urgency that wasn't there a minute ago. I get outside just in time to watch them all drive away. I see Jessie looking at me in her rearview mirror and then...