Claimed by the Alpha Beast

015: Alpha King's day off 2

Zach POV

My brother moves closer, lowering his voice some more,

“This monster... his claws shine like polished steel under the waxing moon. His eyes are not gold like ours. They're... different. He's got eight fangs, Zach. Eight! Not four. He's not werewolf even though he looks like us, stands like us, run like us. That creature is something born from darkness. A flesh eating demon. I saw it with my two eyes. I believe I'm still alive because his focus was on the human. I had to save myself, so I didn't stick around to watch him debone the guy. I ran. And hid. I was on duty but had to leave my post. I had nightmares..."

The creature he just described is my beast. How is he alive after seeing the guy?

"You know I'm Chief Ranger for the humans in these woods. They will demand answers. We can't have them coming into our side of the forest to snoop. That's why I came to you. We need to do something. My guess is this creature came from the south. Some of them are doing sorcery again, I'm sure. Maybe they're preparing a revolt."

Then he steps back and glance around before saying,

"I take it you won't be inviting me in. Well, I thought I should give you the update before anyone else. Your boy, Caleb, and his guys were out for patrol earlier. I'm sure he saw the blood and piece of flesh scattered about. You'll soon hear from him, if you haven't already. I'll be waiting for your orders.” He bows, then starts to back away.

It always feel like he's mocking me when he bows like that.

I watch him leave, straining to recall that night. Even the bits of images I'm able to conjure up are blurry. The rest is blank. When the Beast comes out, he takes full control.

But how come Gareth is unharmed after seeing my curse? That is suspicious. The demon kills anything breathing in its way. Weak or strong. I learned that from the first moment I got him.

Damn it! Why, of all rangers, did he have to see me? The Gareth I know won't let this go. He'll keep asking questions and sniffing around.

Racing back up the stairs, I get my phone quickly to call my Beta. He picks up before it starts ringing,

“I was just about to call you, Alpha. Are you home?”

“I'm home. Gareth's just leaving. He saw our friend."

He goes silent for a moment before he says,

“And he's alive? How's that possible?”

“Apparently, it is. He described him perfectly. He also saw the murder.”

“I'll get some guys to keep an eye on him. I'll also find out how much he knows. He didn't see you shift back, did he?”

"I doubt it. He thinks the south are doing sorcery again."

"Oh. Still. I'll keep an eye on him."

"Do that."

Justin and I finish talking just as a female guard appears.

"What's up?"

"Mrs Dawson is here," she announces.

"I'll join her in my office shortly."

When I return downstairs moments later, soft businesslike voice drifts out of the study where my assistant is waiting. Mary Dawson seem to be on the phone with a contractor. It must be a werewolf. She couldn't be talking business with a human on a holiday.

She smiles my way with the phone to her ear. I wave at her as I go round to sit at my desk.

“Sorry to come here today, your majesty. You know I have little time to organize things before--"

"Your vacation. I get it. You don't have to remind me every single time that you're leaving me, Mary."

She laughs at my joke. "I'm not leaving you, your majesty. I'm still here, and I'll be gone for only three weeks. We'll be able to email if there's anything urgent."

"I hear you," I reply dryly.

"I just got off the phone with Reindeer Contractors."

I knew it was a werewolf she was talking to.

"They are begging you to sign the contract before I leave for my vacay.”

“Don't you mean you are begging me?” I drawl.

“Yes, me too. My mate is friends with their Operations Chief. I don't want him calling us during our vacay.”

“Got it. Did you bring copies."

She hands me a large envelop.

"I'll have Justin takes a quick look today. He's the lawyer, not me.”

She nods. “By the way, I'm interviewing more candidates tomorrow. All werewolves. Two females and a male. I'll surely find us a temp assistant among these ones.”

“Hmm.”

I don't know if I want anyone to stand in for her while she's away. I fear he or she will be incompetent. It'll be exhausting dealing with them. I consider telling her that I'll manage on my own till she gets back. But that's unrealistic. She won't buy it.

For one, she knows I'll be totally absent from the office forty-eight hours during the full moon. Someone will need to be here to keep my partners and contractors peaceful till I get back.

I could ask her to put off the vacation. She may agree, but it wouldn't be fair. I've done it twice. Her leave is long overdue now, and what better time to take it than now; during the Christmas and New Year seasons. We would be busy after the holidays, so it's good that she leaves and return before the new year fully begins.

“Your majesty, I promise to check my emails as often as I can,” she smiles reassuring. “And I won't stay longer than the agreed time.”

“I didn't say anything, Mary. Go on your vacay. Have fun. I'll be fine without you.”

She scowls playfully, then says,

“I highly doubt that. Don't worry, though. I'll make sure your temp assistant is tolerable. You'll meet him or her tomorrow afternoon. Before your monthly time off.”