The Reckoning

Their Confidant

Running as fast as my feet could carry me in my heels, I made my way back to the ballroom. The dinner had commenced and everyone seemed to have already taken a seat. Looking amongst the people, I searched for Mason's face. Making my way down the long tables, I saw Mason seated at the table with a silky red table cloth. He looked unbothered with a huge smile plastered across his face mingling with a girl in front of him. His eyes flicker in my direction and his smile gets wider. Sitting on the seat next to him, I smiled warmly.

“Hey, can we talk when this ends? In private?” I whispered.

“Yeah, where do you want to meet?” His voice was quiet enough amongst the chatter that nobody seemed to have heard us.

Trying to keep a secret, I stated, “The same place we saw each other before this started.”

“Why didn’t you just say the gar-” Before he could finish his sentence, I covered his mouth. I held a finger to my lips with my other hand, then removed my hand covering his mouth.

“You better explain this insane ass stuff that's been going on here.” He lets out a tiny chuckle then adds,”I’m beginning to think that being your friend could get me into a lot of trouble.” After the words leave his mouth, his face falls a little. Not wanting to pry, I keep the conversation light.

Glancing at the entrance every once in a while, I continued to converse with Mason and his friend from Grimhide. She told me she was interested in High Crown as well. Isabella is her name. She goes by Isa for short. She gave off warm and inviting energy. She took the stage after the whole incident with Tobias and Mason, so I couldn’t say if she had done well in the interview part. If she had done well, it was highly unlikely that she could get in considering Tobias was M.I.A during her turn on stage.

Isa is very charming and beyond beautiful! She has stunning fiery locks with eyes a steel gray color. Her smile was perfectly white and straight, making her smile infectious. She’s the kind of girl you would expect to be swooped up by someone who would break their own back to just be with her.

Ardol took over after the whole Tobias incident, so maybe she would make it into High Crown. If she wooed Ardol enough, he could put a good word to Tobias. My chances, however, are slim to none at this point. Kneeing the Alpha in the balls more than likely signed, sealed and delivered this pack as far out of my reach as it possibly could be.

After consuming one of the best meals of my life, I was relieved that Tobias didn’t follow me. When it came time to leave, the alphas lined up near the door shaking hands with all of those who were part of the reckoning. At the entrance of the door, Tobias stood tall amongst the Alpha’s. As it came time to shake my hand, I held my hand out in a business-like manner. One he clearly didn’t approve of, judging by the devious glare on his face.

Pulling me and close, he whispers in my ear,”I will get you back for the stunt you pulled earlier.” He gently nibbles on my ear, sending shockwaves through my entire being. I gasped a little louder than I expected, shocked by his demeanor in such a public setting.

Amongst the chatter and laughter it was highly unlikely anyone heard what he said. However, my gasp caught the attention of the room. Pulling myself away from his tight grasp, I give him a smug stare, not peeling my eyes away from him.

“I’d very much like to see you try.” I said for all to hear. Feeling the gaze of everyone on me, I leave and go straight to where Mason is meeting me.

Knowing that tonight the alpha’s will be making their decisions, Tobias can’t follow me. Especially given the fact his beta has attended and witnessed more from this whole ordeal than he has. This gives me the perfect opportunity to talk to Mason alone without the chances of him overhearing.

Waiting patiently, I find Masons sitting on a black marble bench. Feeling thankful that he picked such a secluded location. I sat down on the bench, firmly tracing the outlines of my palm. Not knowing where to begin, I stared out at the sky.

“I’m sorry about earlier.” I tried my best to sound apologetic, but the truth of the matter is I’ve never had to apologize before. When I would upset Rowan or my father, it wasn’t something I really did. I was truly sorry that he got caught up in all of this mess and I hope he doesn’t think I’m being insincere.

“He’s your mate, isn't he?” His tone is a bit abrupt.

“Yeah, I guess he is.” I grumbled.

Turning to face me, his eyes were filled with sadness,”Are you not happy? I mean most girls would kill to be mated to an alpha. He’s not just any alpha either, he’s the High Crown alpha.”

“I was kind of hoping I would find my mate later in life. I’ve spent most of my life locked away. I wanted to be able to explore and see things. Travel to other pack territories and further my learning. There’s so much more to life than a mate and children.” Waiting for his reaction, I frowned. Am I the only one who thinks there’s more to life than just this?

“I understand, I really do. I just wish you didn’t remind me so much of her.” His eyes glaze over and he shifts back out toward the garden.

“Who do I remind you of?” Keeping my eyes fixed on him, his shoulders slump, and his posture curves.

“I found my mate when we were 16.” His eyes welled with tears, “She was a lot like you. Strong, confident, wanting more for life than everyone else did. With auburn hair and the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen.

When she first noticed the bond, she avoided me at all costs. That was until I made it very clear that I was here and not going anywhere. I told her, mate bond or not, she could still travel and have fun. I would join her on endless journeys no matter how far she wanted to go. I would have followed her to the end of the world if I had to.

When we finally found ourselves ready to do the mating ritual, my twin brother Kai pulled a repulsive prank. He always wanted to one up me growing up. Everything to him was a competition.

Kai pretended to be me with some other girl. He wore my clothes that smelled just like me and styled his hair the exact same way I do just to make it look more authentic. That night when she caught him making out with the girl, she took her life. I thought she got cold feet that night so I just left her alone. I didn’t want to push her to do something if her heart wasn’t in it. The next morning when she didn’t come to breakfast, I assumed she was embarrassed or didn’t know how to tell me about her not coming.” The tears streamed at this point as he fiddled with something in his suit pocket.

“I knew something was wrong when I couldn’t hear her heartbeat through the door. She took a lethal dose of a sleeping tonic and died in her sleep. Because we never completed the mating bond, my wolf and I never felt her pass. That day a piece of me died with her.

To make matters worse, when her parents found out about what Kai had done, they wanted his head on a spike. When alpha Russel denied their request for him to be punished, they took matters into their own hands.

The following day, my brother didn’t show up for breakfast. I knew something was wrong. He died the same way my precious mate died, only a week later, I might add.” My heart clenches at his words.

“How did you get through it?” I never had to deal with death. My father and Rowan were all I had. I guess never having to connect with others spared me the heartache of having to see them pass.

“I didn’t. When my brother died, the alpha had my mate's parents killed. After they died my parents thought they would feel better. I have always lived in his shadow and, since he was more athletic, my parents wanted me to be just like him. They were cold to me, telling me I should just get over her and place my focus on training more, that I would potentially get a second chance.”

That's when everything clicked. My father had told me this story a few years ago. He was leaving to go to Ironhide to help them track her parents down. They weren’t initially going to kill them, but they left them no choice. They had killed many men in attempts to flee. My father was devastated by the outcome and was conflicted with the turn of events. Most of the time, he kept himself composed, but when he returned he arrived in my room at 2 a.m. holding me tight, telling me just how much he loved me. He said that he didn’t blame them for what they had done, he just wished they had turned themselves in before slaughtering 10 wolves.

“My father was there.” I confessed.”He was heartbroken about the whole situation. He never gave me names. I just assumed it was because he didn’t want to include such personal information. I begged him for your name for months. I don’t know why but I was compelled to write to you.” Taking his hand from his pocket, a tiny golden heart-shaped necklace was in his hand.

“I wish you had found me sooner. It might have made it easier to have someone to talk to. I kept myself isolated for far too long. When I finally had the courage to sign up for the reckoning, my parents were heart broken. I tried so hard to be Ironhide material, I just couldn’t meet the expectations.” Gently wiping his face, he adds,”I’m sorry if I scared you off with my back story.”

“You didn’t scare me off, not even in the least.” Grabbing his hand gently, I gave it a squeeze.

“Hey what are you guys-” Isabella comes strolling up behind us, making both Mason and I jump.

“Woah, are you two like, together?” She gestures between Mason and I with her index finger looking confused.

“No.” I giggled gently and added,” Although I would be a lucky gal if we were mates.” I winked at Mason, getting him to show his beautiful pearly whites.

“Oh well, I need some advice.” Her voice was soft and she seemed as though she was lost in thought.

“This seems like it's something you girls should talk about. Imma head to bed. I'm exhausted.” A small yawn escapes his lips and he gives us both a small smile before leaving.

“What’s on your mind, Isa?” My voice is softer than normal.

“So today, I could sense my mate all day. I tried pushing through the day, but after Wolf and Seek, he found me. I won't divulge the gory details, but he’s not anything close to what I had hoped for. His title is higher up than I ever imagined for myself.” She bites her lip anxiously.

“So what’s your biggest worry?”

“I won't be enough for him. He’s a beta and I just don’t think I will meet his expectations.” She stared at me with her gray eyes, pleading for me to help her.

After about thirty minutes of talking, we decided to call it night. After finishing the discussion about her mate, we settled the topic on getting to know one another. She is a kind, determined, selfless, and strong woman. Even though she wasn’t confident when it came to her mate, she otherwise seemed confident and brave.

After saying goodbye, I feel saddened that there’s a good possibility that I won’t be placed in the same pack as Isabella and Mason. Knowing that tomorrow we would be forced to say goodbye, I don’t sleep. I pack up most of my clothes, leaving behind the ones that no longer fit or have stains and holes.

Leaving the last item to pack. My most valued item of all. It’s a picture of me as a baby in my mother's arms. The photo is old, tattered and almost unrecognizable. It’s the only thing I have left of her. She hated having her picture taken, so when my dad snapped this photo she fell asleep in a rocking chair holding me. Three weeks after this photo was taken, she vanished. My dad searched for her for years. When it came time that our pack was suffering from the lack of leadership, he had to put his mate on the back burner to run the pack.

By the time I turned 6, he was gone more often than he was home. Leaving Rowan to take care of me. He had to help me with my studies, and teach me basic tasks. I learned very quickly how to take care of myself. If it weren’t for Rowan I would’ve never been able to get to where I’m at now.

My eyes burn with pain as I go over to my personal library across from my room. Sitting down at my childhood desk, I trace my fingers across Rowan, and my name is engraved on the desk. Throughout my whole childhood, he protected and loved me regardless of how cruel I could be to him.

Jealousy ruled over me when I became a teen. As a young child I never really questioned why I was locked away while my brother could come and go as he pleased. When I was around 12, almost 13, I finally got the courage to ask. My father was pissed, to say the least. Claiming he was protecting me. Whenever I tried to get a different answer, he would shut me down real quickly.

One day I snapped when Rowan came to visit me. I told him to go live his life, to do the things I so desperately wanted to do. He left for a whole month, traveling to different packs. When he came back home he had written journals for me about all of his experiences. He went as far as to include photos. It was one of the most special things I have ever received.

Grabbing a sheet of paper, I grab a pen and begin to write:

Rowan,

I don’t know how to put into words how truly thankful I am for you. You have taught me everything I know. As of tomorrow, you and I will belong to two different packs. Although there will be chunks of time where we aren’t in the presence of each other, I want you to know that I will be here for you wherever life takes you. I will hold your journal close and your encouragement through the years, close to my heart.

You gave up so much for me. You gave up your whole childhood, and the chances of you finding your mate. Not to mention having any friends. You will forever be my superhero big brother.

You are more than just my brother, you have been my educator, best friend, and father all wrapped into one. You have held me to a high standard. My whole life all I wanted was to make you proud. I hope I achieved that today. I never let up, not once.

When I was young, I told you I wanted to be a part of the High Crown pack. You never once discouraged me from it. You told me I would have to work hard. You made me advance quickly, getting me to catch up with you on all my academics. When my wolf came, you trained me hard. The days I told you I wanted to give up, you would lift me up and tell me “If you alter your dreams, you will alter your expectations for yourself. If you alter your expectations of yourself, you will alter what you expect of others. Keep your standards high. When you finally reach your goal, do you know how satisfied you will truly be?”

I want to thank you for talking to Alpha Tobias and convincing him to come. There’s a good chance I won't be getting into his pack and I’m sorry I wasted your attempt at making my dream come true. I hope that with him coming he has given others the opportunity to be a part of his pack, regardless of my failure.

I love you so much, Rowan.

Your little sister,

Reyna