Alpha's Secret Vengeance

Shadows of the Past and Present Lila's POV Over Whispering Pines woodland, the full moon shone silver, its light piercing the thick canopy like a spotlight on a stage. Breath seized in my throat, I squatted behind a fallen tree and watched the scene of destruction materialize in front of me. My family was slain, their blood seeping into the woodland floor, the noble Mooncrest pack. With icy delight in their gaze, the Shadow Fang pack stood over them. In a voice just heard over the sounds of the jungle, my mother said, "Survive, Lila." I saw her, the last to fall, take her last breath as my heart tightened. Live, for us. A signal from the towering, piercing blue-eyed leader of the Shadow Fang pack commanded the last hit. I understood I was pressed for time. Taking on my human shape, I slipped into the shadows, my auburn hair falling about my face. With pursuit sounds close behind, I sprinted, my bare feet hardly making a sound on the woodland floor. Safety was promised by the lights of the neighboring town of Silverwood. Heart hammering, I staggered into the peaceful streets and vanished into the anonymity of everyday existence. Present Day Never would I have imagined going back to the town where my family was killed. Overlooking the festival grounds was a ghostly glow from the full moon that hung high in the sky. As I moved through the throng, the sounds and smells overpowered my already acute senses. My heart hammered. Vengeance was the only reason I was here. I could still see that night. My mother's dead eyes, the blood, the screaming. Using her last breath, she had said, "Survive, my little wolf." That I had. I had fled, faking my identity and fitting in with the locals. I never, nonetheless, forgot. I never pardoned anyone. It was rife with expectation tonight. Knowing that this was a favored Shadow Fang pack meeting place drew me to the event. Find them, I had to. Find him I had to. I noticed him then, through the mass of people. Roger. The pack Alpha of Shadow Fang. Breath became lodged in my throat. The penetrating eyes were there, yet he appeared different, more rough. The guy who headed the gang who wiped out my family. My heart pounded as I made myself move in his direction, fighting the smoldering anger and terror within of me with every step. I was curious. I had to confirm previous to acting. Even with the storm inside, I said, "Damon," my voice firm. His gaze locked on me as he spun. A flash of recognition followed a moment of perplexity across his face. His voice a deep rumble, "Lila," he said. That you were here surprised me. Coolly, I said, "I could say the same," never taking my eyes off of him. What drew you to the event? Though it didn't come to his eyes, he smiled. For my pack, this is a big occasion. An uncommonly peaceful time. My voice heavy with resentment, I said, "Peace." What do you call that, by the way? Damon stiffened his jaw and his face became more serious. By that, what do you mean? I focused, inhaling deeply. Peace can be a front at times. An untruth we tell ourselves to make our behavior acceptable. Eyes narrowing, he moved closer. Which acts, Lila, would those be? Anger rose in me. Trying to control my emotions, I added gently, "Actions that leave families torn apart." Shock spread his gaze. Hello Lilia I could take no more of it and cut him off. Damon, I saw as your pack killed my family. My mother lay dead on the ground when I arrived. And you discuss tranquility? Flickering across his face was something more, maybe guilt. His voice just a whisper, he continued, "I didn't know." I had no idea that you had survived. Managed to survive? Fury boiling over, I spat. “You believe that just existing will do? Daily living with the recollection of that evening? Just wondering why I was the only one left. I apologize, Damon replied, his voice tinged with sincere regret. Assuming I had known Once more cutting him off, I shook my head. Their return is not brought about by regret. The hurt is still there when you apologize. I stepped aside, my eyes flaming with rage, as he reached out. Damon, please spare me your sympathy. All the facts, please. Fairness is what I seek. Damon stiffened, determination shining in his eyes. “Lila, you deserve the truth. You may be unaware of further factors at work here, though. Not here, but somewhere else we should chat. I hesitated, curiosity teasing the rage. Okay, I said at last. But if you mislead me, if you were involved in any way in my family's tragedy Firmly interrupting, he said, "I didn't." But I can assist you in determining who did. Get together with me outside the historic church tomorrow night. The moonlight threw shadows across the collapsing stones as I stood outside the old church the next night. Expectation was palpably high. Damon came out of the shadows, his face unrecognizable. "Lila," he said, starting out quickly. We must have a conversation. Talk, I said skeptically again. Hurry up, Damon. "A lot of things you don't know," he said. A great deal that up until lately I was unaware of. Deeper than any of us could have predicted exists a conspiracy." Before he could say anything further, bushes close by rustled. Sensations on high alert, Damon and I turned. With a bitter look in his eyes, Gavin stepped out. "Well, well," scowled Gavin. We have what here? Confederating against me are the tiny wolf and the Alpha." "Gavin," Damon said, stepping carefully in front of me. "Now this is over." Coldly laughing, Gavin said. Think you can stop me, do you? Ignorant you are, Damon. And as for you, Lila," he looked at me, a chill running down my spine, "you ought to have stayed hidden. You will pass away now, just like the rest of your family. Fury shot through me. I stepped forward, spat, "You won't get away with this, Gavin." I already had, he said, grinning. "There is already a festival attack under progress. It will be too late when you understand what is happening." I shot Damon a serious look. We have to go quickly. We turned and ran back toward the event, the sounds of mayhem already filling our ears, without saying anything more. The festival grounds were anarchy. There were screaming and flames everywhere. Moving through the confusion, Damon and I saw Gavin's pack mates causing mayhem. "There!" Pointing to Gavin in the middle of the fair, where he was planning the attack, Damon yelled. Moving in unison, we accelerated. Gavin and Damon collided violently as Damon tackled him. I swung my claws deadly-accurately at one of Gavin's pack mates. Every second of the fierce struggle was a whirl of violence and rage. "Behind you, Lila!" Cut through the mayhem came Damon's voice. I whirled about, just missing a hard hit. I yanked and my claws made contact. Not that there was time to rejoice when the lieutenant fell. Gavin needed to be put down. "Give up, Gavin," Pinned to the ground, Damon yelled. Not at all!" Hated eyes burning, Gavin spat. "I shall see you all killed!" Gavin launched Damon aside with a burst of strength and charged at me. I avoided, determined by the s*******r of my family. Let him lose, I wouldn't. I swung a fallen branch with all my strength, desperate, and caught Gavin in the face. He stammered back, providing the gap Damon needed. Damon struck Gavin hard enough to send him down again. Damon said in a chilly, definitive tone, "It's over, Gavin." You believe it to be that simple? Blood dribbling from his mouth, Gavin scowled. You don't realize all that's going on here. We are only getting started." Over the battlefield came a chilly quiet. I looked grimly determined at Damon. The real opponent remained out there, hiding in the shadows, and the battle was far from ended. Despite the internal anguish, I continued, "We need to find out who's behind this," my voice steady. Damon gave a strong nod. We will as well. Collectively."