The Golden One

I Need To Go

As we walk back into the meeting room, we are met with heated debates and discussion crossing the table from Alphas to other Alphas and Betas to Betas. I sigh and slump into my chair watching the scene unfold.

I listen in on some of what people are saying and my heart sinks.

"She's dangerous."  "She's not a real Alpha." "We should lock her away until we figure this out."

My chest hurts from their words, but these comments are all met by disapproval from other Alphas. At least they are not all against me. From watching the discussions I can pick out that I have three main opposers.

Alpha Damien, unsurprisingly. The snarky bastard from outside who I now know as Alpha Brad. He sounds like a douche anyway. And a quiet but powerful looking man called Alpha Bennett.

Sinking deeper into my chair, I bite anxiously at my lip. A strong hand rests on my shoulder and I lean into the touch as warmth and comfort travels through my body. The soft hand glides from my shoulder to wrap around the base of my neck, a thumb moving backwards and forwards on my hairline, soothing my frustrations. Michael watches on as Christopher's touch calms me and he too sinks down in his chair but offers no comment and no noise in response. He knows the bond is growing on me and there's nothing he can do.

I watch Carl and Alpha Damien have a furious discussion about how we should proceed. Carl is defending me like I'm his own family. My heart warms. It's time to put a stop to this. I stand and cough, Christopher's hand travels to the base of my back and he continues to draw soothing strokes with his thumb. I could get used to this.

I expected everyone to stop at my movement, clearly trying to regain the focus of the meeting. Nobody flinched. Rage starts to pool in my stomach. How can they make assumptions about me? How can they judge me without even knowing who I am?

I step forward and slam my hand on the meeting table, a loud growl coming from the pit of my stomach. Everyone stops and looks at me, surprised etched across their faces.

"We're not going to get anywhere if we shout across each other. Please sit and we can discuss whatever you want. I'm an open book." My voice is steady and firm. Everyone proceeds to sit, everyone except Alpha Damien.

He stares at me from the other end of the table. I stare back, stifling an angry growl. This man is pissing me off.

"An Alphas job is to protect their pack." His voice echoes around the now silent meeting room. "She was simply given the role of Alpha, how can she be trusted to look after her pack? Therefore how can she be trusted to be the salvation of our species?" He looks around to the others Alphas, some nod in agreement.

Christopher's hand has stopped its soothing circles and now seems to be clinging on to the back of my dress. Is he holding me back or himself?

I stand tall, making clear eye contact with my opposers.

"I may not have killed to be where I am today but I have protected my pack, even before I became the Alpha. It's the reason I earned my Alpha eyes. Our species thinks to kill is to hold power, sometimes that's just the easy way out." I make sure to move my gaze around each of the men in front of me.

"My pack has increased by a third in the six months since I have been Alpha. We have more food supplies and money, we are stronger and more united, we are more prosperous in every way. I am more than capable of looking after my pack and, if I am destined to, my species. I just do it without tearing others down to make me look and feel strong." I finish my last sentence staring right into Alpha Damien's eyes, he offers me a smirk but I have no idea the meaning behind it. Is he happy with my response or does he continue to think I am incapable?

Carl stands to speak, smiling at me as he does.

"I think we can all agree this has been one of the most interesting Council of the Alphas we've had in quite some time." He says calmly, as some members nod in agreement and some chuckle at the statement. He's trying to diffuse the tension.

"I am by no means brushing this under the carpet as this is a huge revelation that affects the future of our species. However until we can look into the prophecy and it’s ramifications, there is no point in jumping to conclusions or putting judgment on Alpha Meila." I smile at him and mouth "thank you" for him calming the situation. Christopher's hand relaxes then moves away from my back as I sit back down and I miss his touch already. Damn mate bond.

Instead of returning to his seat next to Carl, he stands behind me bodyguard style; feet separated, hands clasped at his groin, eyes scanning the room. I see Carl give him a wink and I can almost feel Christopher's eye roll in response. I glance to my right and Michael is still sulking in his chair. He didn't bother to be my protector or calm me like he normally would. He saw Christopher do it with such ease. He looks completely broken as he bores a hole into the floor with his gaze.

Michael, are you ok?

He looks up at me in response to my mind link, nods then returns his gaze to the floor.

So no, he's not ok. Stupid question I guess.

The meeting returns to all things Pack related. There is talk about territories and rogue problems. Some are finding rogues more feral, with one saying a rogue was found dead with raised black veins on his neck. This was brushed off as the body decaying after death.

None of this relates to me anyway as since becoming Alpha I have eliminated all rogue problems in my territory, and by that I mean I have given them a deserving place in my pack.

All of the rogues I have encountered are second generation, meaning they have been banished from packs for crimes their parents had committed. It disgusted me that these young rogues were suffering for crimes they had no part in. They were welcomed into my pack, starting at the bottom, and given the opportunity to work their way up the ranks. They were so thankful they were able to work their way up quickly, some are now my best warriors.

I offered this information to the Council and it was met with mixed responses. No doubt I had picked up some of the rogues that had been banished from their packs, but I am confident in my decision. Punishment and isolation only breeds hatred towards our packs, which leads to attacks and death. If I can avoid that, I will.

"I think that will do for today. We have our Alpha hunt tonight and the feast tomorrow and then you can return to you packs." Alpha Carl speaks calmly, he really has such a soothing tone.

"I suggest we all look into the Golden One prophecy and see what we can find. We can reconvene in a month to discuss our findings." Everyone nods in approval. "It's a shame that Seers died out over a century ago or we could of had better insight into the prophecy." He sighs as he brushes his papers together and everyone else organises themselves to leave. I look at Michael, who had finally lifted his head from the floor. He nods in approval, knowing my next move.

"Actually Alpha Carl, we have a Seer." I said it softly, unsure of the reaction this information would receive. This was another thing I have been reluctant to share. Seers became extinct because their power of prophecy and visions of the future were abused. Many went into hiding before they were hunted and killed. People believed that no one should have that power. Once again, the fear of the unknown resulted in bloodshed.

"She found me not long after I gained my Alpha eyes, she had seen me in a vision and claimed she was bound to guide me." Everyone looks at me in disbelief, Damien being the one who is most unsurprised by this information. I figure he has a good poker face now as I shut him down earlier; he is keeping his cards close to his chest.

"I can ask for her to come here, she can be here tomorrow." He nods and everyone continues to look in disbelief. Not wanting to get into further discussion, I turn and leave swiftly. It's Christopher who follows close behind me this time and although it feels different, it feels right to have him so close and so caring. Michael trails behind us and they both follow me to the bedroom.

Noticing the door to the bedroom has been fixed, I let out a sigh of relief. Both men are standing behind me. Turning to face them, I see they both have a look of pain in their eyes. I turn to Christopher and give him a soft smile.

"Thank you for your support." He smiles back like a little puppy I'd given praise to, clearly happy to of helped his mate in a tough situation. "I need to speak with Michael now, I will find you later." He nods looking a little upset, his gaze fixed on the door. I reach out and give his hand a reassuring squeeze. He returns a weak smile and leaves.

Michael follows me into the bedroom and shuts the door behind him. He looks me up and down and sighs deeply.

"You feel it now don't you?" He speaks quietly, his voice laced with sadness. I shuffle my feet awkwardly, avoiding his sorrow filled eyes. How do I do this to the man I love?

"The more time I spend around him the stronger it becomes." His brows furrow deeper as his sorrow increases at my words. "I love you Michael, I really do. I'm so sorry this has happened. Maybe I should never have jumped into this relationship knowing I hadn't found my mate yet. I never meant to hurt you." I plead with him, hoping his love won't turn to hatred.

"No." He says surprisingly calmly. "I don't regret us for one second. You mended my broken heart. You guided me back to the man I was and helped me become the man I am. I love you with all of my heart and I am so proud of you for being who you are. You deserve to have a mate, even if that's not me." He reaches out for me to pull into a loving hug as he speaks. His body tenses before he speaks again.

"He's good for you." He speaks almost through gritted teeth, I know he means it he just doesn't like saying. He pulls back staring down into my eyes, his own eyes filling with tears.

He pulls me into a desperate kiss. It's not filled with our normal passion and heat; instead it's filled with sadness and heartache. It's our goodbye kiss. Tears fall from my eyes and a single tear falls down his own cheek, mixing together in our mouths adding a salty taste to our final kiss. We pull back and he wipes the tears from my eyes and cups my face gently in his hands.

"I need to go." His voice is shaky and I look up at him letting my tears fall again. If he stayed it would only hurt us both. I nod and he places a final kiss on my forehead. He picks up his not yet unpacked overnight bag and walks towards the door, pausing at the door then turning to face me.

"Give the mate bond a chance, Meila. You deserve it." And then the door closes softly behind him.

As soon as the door is fully closed, I throw myself onto the bed and howl into the plump pillows. I sob heavily, my howls muffled in the bed. Tears pour into the soft cotton and pain radiates through my body, starting from my heart. It's ugly and it's dramatic; it's heartbreak.

Michael and I are over, we both know it and it hurts. It hurts so damn much.

After an hour, my sobbing subsides. I roll over to sit up and wipe away the tears. The pain is replaced by numbness. I have responsibilities as an Alpha and it's time to get ready for the hunt.

Pushing all feelings deep down, I force myself up and head to the bathroom to rinse my make up smeared face. Looking in the mirror my eyes are red and puffy.

Great. Just what I need for all the macho Alphas to think I'm an emotional wreck and unfit to lead a pack. 

While splashing more water on my face, hoping it will calm my swollen eyes, I hear a soft knock at the door. With my head buried in one of the luxurious hand towels, I shout for my guest to enter.

Christopher's sweet scent fills the room as I walk back into the bedroom. I'm grateful he left me to cry it out on my own, even though he must have felt my pain. I'm even more grateful that he's here now and my heart pulls me towards him. He's shuffling awkwardly in the doorway as I approach him. He looks like he's searching for words, but words won't help me.

I stand in front of him, both of us silent and unsure of how to act. My eyes flick over his seeking comfort for my pain. Slowly, I lean forward and place my head on his chest, inhaling deeply as I do so. His scent fills my lungs and my skin tingles at his proximity. He stands still and tense for a moment, clearly surprised by my movement. His body relaxes slightly before strong arms wrap around me and hold me tight to him.

"The hunt is about to start." His voice is calm and soothing and I appreciate it. I much prefer him in his calm state.

I stand back and look into his mesmerising green eyes. I nod and we leave.

I need a good run to blow off steam.