One Love Five Alphas

CHAPTER 3: DESIRES

Alpha Max followed Alpha Kegan through the winding halls of the stronghold. They entered a secluded chamber, the door closing behind them with a heavy thud. The room was a bit dark, a single torch casting wavering shadows on the stone walls.

Alpha Kegan turned to face Alpha Max, his eyes sharp and calculating. “We need to talk, Max. I can see you are satisfied with something.”

Alpha Max crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw set. “I don’t understand why you’re so insistent on killing the Beast, Alpha Kegan. Why not just resume the sacrifices of bulls and rams? It worked before. And we have a lot of bulls. We do not lack any.”

Alpha Kegan’s expression hardened, a form of annoyance crossing his face. “You’re being naive, Max. The Beast is a threat to our control. As long as it lives, it poses a danger not just to our people, but to our authority.”

Alpha Max shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. “There’s more to this, isn’t there? This isn’t just about the Beast. Why can’t we try appeasing it again? What aren’t you telling me?”

Alpha Kegan stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. “It’s about power, Max. The Beast must die, and so must Warrior E if necessary. They both threaten my throne. You, Max, are the next King. You need to understand the importance of eliminating any threats to our rule.”

Alpha Max’s eyes widened, a mix of shock and anger flashing in them. “Warrior E is here to help. She’s trying to find a peaceful solution, one that could save lives. Why would you want her dead?”

Alpha Kegan’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Because she’s too capable, too influential. She has the potential to sway the other Alphas, to disrupt the balance of power. And now, with Marie kidn*pped, we cannot afford to show any weakness.”

Alpha Max felt a surge of rage. “Marie’s been kidn*pped by The Beast, right? And you want me to believe that, right?”

Alpha Kegan’s expression turned serious. “I need you to focus on the task at hand. Marie’s a*******n is a complication we can’t ignore. We need to show strength now more than ever. The Beast and Warrior E must be dealt with swiftly.”

Alpha Max clenched his fists, trying to control his anger. “This isn’t right, Kegan. Sacrificing lives for power. I am so sure it’s not the way. We should be working together to find Marie, not plotting against those who could help us.”

Alpha Kegan’s eyes narrowed. “You’re forgetting your place, Max. As the next king, you need to make difficult decisions for the greater good. Sometimes that means eliminating threats, even if they seem like allies.”

Alpha Max shook his head, taking a step back. “I won’t be a part of this, Kegan. I’ll find Marie, but I won’t kill innocent people for the sake of power.”

“I am going to sacrifice Warrior E instead of a bull, it is the ultimate sacrifice and maybe The Beast will release my daughter. Warrior E would be tied stained in the blood of a ram to appease The Beast,” Alpha Kegan said.

Alpha Max was filled with rage. “You cannot do that! What if The Beast does not eat Werewolves? What if Warrior E and Marrie do not return?”

“Max, then I move on. I may have eliminated one threat,” Alpha Kegan said.

“This is unbelievable! You are the White Wolf, Kegan!” Alpha Max shouted.

Alpha Kegan’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “Remember, Max, loyalty to the throne comes first. If you defy me, you risk everything. Think carefully about your next move.”

Max stared at him for a long moment, his mind racing. He knew he couldn’t trust Kegan, but he couldn’t afford to openly defy him either. Not yet. He needed to find Marie and uncover the truth about the Beast and the sacrifices.

Finally, he nodded curtly. “I understand, Kegan. I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Kegan’s smile returned, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Good. Now, go. Find Marie and ensure that the Beast is dealt with.”

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the White Lands. Alpha Max made his way to the secluded spot where Eve had been training.

He found her in a small secluded area surrounded by tall trees and filled with carpet grass, her movements swift and precise as she practiced her combat techniques. She paused when she saw him, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Alpha Max," she greeted, her voice steady. "What brings you here?"

Alpha Max approached her, his expression serious. "Warrior E, I need to talk to you about The Beast."

Eve’s eyes narrowed slightly. "What is it?"

Alpha Max took a deep breath, struggling with the weight of his words. "You need to kill the Beast, Warrior E. You can't let it kill you. The stakes are too high."

Eve studied him, her gaze penetrating. "Why is this so important to you, Alpha Max? Do you think killing The Beast is the only way?"

Alpha Max hesitated, searching for the right words. "I... I don't know what else to do. Kegan is determined, and the other Alphas support him. They won't be swayed. But I don't want to see you get hurt."

Eve's expression softened slightly. "Alpha Max, do you love Marie?"

Alpha Max looked away, his jaw tightening. "Marie is... She's important. Her safety is my responsibility."

Eve stepped closer, her voice gentle but insistent. "But do you love her?"

Alpha Max was silent for a long moment, then he looked back at Eve, his eyes conflicted. "I care about her. But... there's someone else."

Eve’s heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her voice steady. "Who?"

Alpha Max sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Five years ago, I was in love with a pure-blooded omega. Her name was Eve. She was strong and brave, and she made me believe in a better future. But I had to let her go for the sake of the packs."

Eve felt a surge of emotions, but she kept her face neutral. "What happened to her?"

Max’s gaze was distant, filled with regret. "I don't know. She disappeared. But I never stopped thinking about her."

Eve took a deep breath, her heart aching with the weight of her secret. "Max, what if she was still alive? What would you do?"

Max looked at her, confusion and hope flickering in his eyes. "If she were still alive... I would do anything to find her, to make things right."

Eve stepped even closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "And if she were right in front of you, would you recognize her?"

Alpha Max stared at her, the realization slowly dawning in his eyes. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he touched her face. " Don’t joke with me Warrior E. I only came to warn you.”

Eve was deep in thought, her mind racing with plans and strategies to deal with the Beast and Kegan’s schemes when Alpha Seth entered the training site. He moved with the quiet grace of a seasoned warrior, his eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on her.

“Warrior E,” Seth greeted, his tone formal but laced with an undercurrent of urgency.

Eve looked up, noting the tension in his posture. “Alpha Seth, what brings you here?”

Alpha Seth stepped closer, his voice lowering. “I need to speak with you about Marie. She must be brought back alive.”

Eve studied him, sensing there was more to his request. “Of course, her safety is a priority. But why the particular emphasis? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Seth’s eyes glanced with a mix of anxiety and determination. “Marie’s well-being is crucial. She... she means a great deal to me.”

Eve’s keen intuition picked up on the subtle nuances in his voice and body language. She took a step closer, her gaze piercing. “Seth, it’s more than that, isn’t it? You care for her deeply. Perhaps even love her?”

Alpha Seth’s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his surprise. “What are you implying, Warrior E?”

Eve’s voice softened, but she remained direct. “I can see it in your eyes, the way you speak about her. You and Marie are more than just friends, aren’t you?”

Alpha Seth hesitated, his defenses wavering. Finally, he sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Yes, Eve. Marie and I... we’ve been in love for some time. But we had to keep it a secret. Her father, Alpha Kegan, would never approve.”

Eve nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. “I see. That explains your urgency. Don’t worry, Seth. I will do everything in my power to ensure Marie’s safe return.”

Seth’s eyes were filled with gratitude, but also fear. “Thank you, Warrior E. I trust you, but please, be careful. Kegan is ruthless, and he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.”

Eve placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I know. We’ll find Marie and bring her back safely.”

Seth looked at her with newfound respect and hope. “I believe in you, Warrior E. You’ve always been a beacon of strength and wisdom.”