Shadows of Desire and Pain: She Strikes Back

“Conner, the guests are here. Don’t tell me you aren’t ready yet!” Luna Mina, Conner’s mom called out as she made her way to his room. Conner came out almost immediately looking so hot. “Sorry mom, I was just trying to look good. How do I look?” His smile was addictive and his mom smiled. “You look just like your father, Ava would fall in love over again with you looking this hot.” She assured him, and he blushed slightly. “Where's dad? I haven’t seen him all day.” “He's greeting the guests, and we should join in now. They are all waiting to meet you. Happy birthday my love.” Conner grinned. It was his 20th birthday, and his dad had thrown a party for him. He was ecstatic. “Was Alpha Zik invited?” His mom eyed him mischievously with a grin on her face. “Well if you mean your darling Mate Ava, yes she was invited with her family.” “I heard she is coming home, I hope she comes in on time for your party.” Conner grinned again. They rounded the room and then came to the entrance. As soon as they entered, everyone clapped and yelled a “happy birthday” to him. Conner was more than happy. As his dad proposed a toast for him, he let his eyes scan through the room in search for Ava. He and Ava had been childhood friends, and he had loved her then, and even now. They had only just discovered that they were mates, and their families were so glad. But she wasn’t at his party. Just as he was about to ask for her, the door opened and Alpha Zik entered. A wild smile tore across Conner’s lips as he watched, waiting for Ava to enter too, but instead Alpha Zik's Gamma entered, followed by his wolves. Conner watched as his dad approached him, but instead the gamma and his werewolves held him, that was when Conner frowned in confusion. Alpha Zik and his dad were very good friends, and so it surprised him that Alpha Zik’s werewolves were arresting his father. He started taking slow steps towards them, but his mom was faster than him. She was already there in a spit second. “Beta Felix has been found guilty of Treason, he and his Luna would be executed tomorrow.” Alpha Zik suddenly said with an air of authority. Conner felt all air leave his lungs. He could hardly breath as he wondered if this was real. He turned to his mom, but she too was arrested before he could say a single word. Everyone at his party was now staring and whispering amongst themselves. Conner felt very empty. “Alpha Zik!” His voice was barely a whisper, as he stared at the man who once loved him and his family, but was now staring at him as though he was the enemy. “My parents would never……. Please.” His voice broke but Alpha Zik looked away and began walking away while his parents were dragged away. His dad called him over, and the guards let him pass. His dad smiled at him and told him that they would be fine. He believed that lie too, infact he had believed that Alpha Zik would spare his parents. They were friends after all, but that never happened. Conner watched alongside other members of the Park as her parents were made to knell before the entire pack. His dad went first, his head rolled a little and then stopped after it turned into his wolf, while the rest of his body fell with a thud and shifted for the last time in his life. The scream seemed so distant now, it sounded like his voice but it seemed to be coming from someone far away. Conner slowly lost consciousness as soon as his mom's body dropped too, and then he fainted. Conner was only five when he was introduced to Alpha Zik, and that when he met Ava for the first time. Alpha Zik was her father’s best friend. When he was 17, he had a big crush on Alpha Zik’s only daughter Ava who was 4 years younger than he was. Conner made sure that his dad who was Beta Felix took him along when he goes to meet with Alpha Zik. It was suspicious how they always met up almost daily, and whenever they arrived, Beta Felix will go in with Alpha Zik away from every other member of the Pack to discuss something that had seemed so discreet that no one wanted to discuss with anyother person. Conner however wasn’t bothered by their frequent visits. He did think about the reason from time to time, but he was happy for the chance which would obviously increase his chances of spending time with Ava. Conner McAllister, barely seventeen, trailed eagerly behind his father, Beta Felix. His heart pounded not from the exertion of their journey to Alpha Zik's territory, but from the anticipation of seeing Ava. The girl who had, since childhood, captured his heart with her radiant smile and infectious laughter. "Father, are we going to see Ava today?" Conner's voice was laced with a mixture of hope and nervous excitement as he matched his father's brisk pace. Felix glanced down at his son, his eyes softening. "Yes, Conner. Alpha Zik's family will be there. Remember to be respectful." Conner nodded, but his mind was already racing ahead to the moment he'd see Ava. She was always so kind, so full of life. Every encounter with her felt like an adventure, a treasure he cherished deeply. His father’s warnings about decorum were lost on him; all he could think about was making her laugh, seeing her eyes sparkle with joy. When they arrived, the packhouse buzzed with activity. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the earthy aroma of the forest. As they entered the grand hall, Conner's eyes immediately sought out Ava. He found her near the fireplace, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of sunshine. She wore a simple dress that highlighted her grace, and her laughter rang out like the sweetest melody. "Ava!" he called, waving energetically. She turned, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. "Conner, you're here!" Without hesitation, she bounded over to him and enveloped him in a hug. The warmth of her embrace made Conner's heart race, and he felt a blush creep up his cheeks. "It’s good you came, I have been bored to death!" she exclaimed, stepping back to look at him. "You look good." Conner chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I guess so. How have you been?" "Busy," Ava said with a mock sigh, rolling her eyes playfully. "Father's always got me running around, but I love it. Keeps me on my toes." "Maybe we could go for a walk later?" Conner suggested, trying to keep his voice casual but failing miserably. Ava grinned. "I'd like that. You can tell me all about what you've been up to." As the two teenagers chatted and laughed, Felix and Alpha Zik observed them from across the room. Zik's expression was thoughtful as he turned to Felix. "They've grown close." Felix nodded. "Conner's fond of her. She's a good influence on him." Zik sighed, his eyes darkening. "I wish our children could live in a world without such darkness, Felix. The kidnappings are getting worse. We need to act swiftly." Felix's jaw tightened. "I've been investigating discreetly, Zik. There are whispers, but nothing concrete. Whoever is behind this is careful, too careful." Zik clenched his fists. "We can't afford to wait any longer. We need to find the person responsible. Our packs are losing trust, and fear is spreading." Felix nodded in agreement. "I have a lead, a possible informant. I'll pursue it tonight. If we can get any information, it might give us the edge we need." Meanwhile, Conner and Ava had wandered outside, the cool night air filled with the symphony of crickets and the occasional howl in the distance. They walked side by side, their hands brushing occasionally, sending electric sparks through Conner's body. "Do you remember the time we tried to build that treehouse?" Ava asked, giggling at the memory. "We ended up falling out of the tree and getting covered in mud." Conner laughed. "Yeah, and then my dad scolded us both for being reckless. But it was worth it. We had so much fun." Ava's laughter died down, and she looked at Conner with a seriousness that caught him off guard. "Conner, do you ever think about the future? What it holds for us?" He watched her carefully, trying to understand what she was meaning to say. She continued. “I mean, look around cubs keeps disappearing every single day. Everyone is afraid, and I don’t know what to make out of it.” He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "I know, Ava. I think about it a lot. And... I trust our parents. They are working hard to put an end to it and I trust them. I hope their plans works out perfectly." Ava smiled softly. "I hope so too." Conner tried to remain optimistic, at least for the sake of Ava. He was older than her but she indeed very smart for her age. He turned to her slightly and smiled within himself, glad that he could spend time with her like this. Little did he know, the darkness that loomed over their packs was far closer and more personal than he could have ever imagined. Back in the packhouse, Alpha Zik and Felix continued their hushed conversation, unaware that their plans to uncover the threat would soon set off a chain of events that would change their lives forever. "Felix," Zik said quietly, "promise me that no matter what happens, we'll protect them. Our children deserve a future free of this shadow." Felix nodded solemnly. "I promise, Zik. We'll find the truth. I will make sure of it Alpha." As Conner walked Ava back to the packhouse, the full moon casting their shadows long and slender on the ground, he couldn't help but feel a surge of determinationin between his fear of the unknown. Ava suddenly tripped, but he caught her right on time. She stayed silent trying to catch her breath for a while, and then she burst into soft giggles. Conner who was still flustered managed a smile at her playfulness. “Careful there Ava, we should have to start explaining to your dad what had happened to his special daughter.” Conner told her with a grin as he helped her back to her feet, but she kept giggling. They got to the packhouse together, and Ava excused herself. “I have to see how everything is going in there. I will be right back.” She had said before leaving, however she didn’t forget to flash him her cute smile. Conner saw Alpha Zik and his dad coming towards them. They seemed to be discussing something very important and he couldn’t help but wonder if everything would ever be fine. “Conner, how are you?” Alpha Zik asked him as soon as they approached them and Conner smiled widely. “I’m fine Alpha.” He responded and Alpha Zik smiled. Felix whispered something to Alpha Zik who then nodded slightly. “We will take our leave right now Alpha. I will look into that immediately.” Felix had said and motioned Conner that it was time to go. Conner however felt the need to say goodbyes with Ava, but she wasn’t forthcoming as she said. After a brief delay, Conner turned to follow his dad, and said goodbyes with Alpha Zik instead. “Let’s go Conner; your mom must be waiting for us by now.” Felix reminded his son with a smile, and Conner nodded slowly. “Goodbye Alpha.” He said and Alpha Zik smiled at him. Just as they were about to leave, two Omega’s hurried past them towards Alpha Zik with a terrifying news that sent a frightening shiver through all of them. Ava was Missing.