Bygone Love For The Alpha

The New Leadership

As anticipated, the turnout for condolences was rather sparse, despite my great-grandmother, affectionately known as Momo, being one of the most senior members of the Pack, having lived an impressive 113 years. While the tight-knit witch community within our Pack paid their respects, not a single soul from the werewolf faction bothered to extend their sympathies. It's not surprising, really. In their eyes, we're not on the same footing. Our existence holds little significance, evident in how they predominantly utilize witches for covert operations in other territories, displaying scant regard for their well-being. We're perceived as expendable.

"So much has changed in the last few years, Jade. You've missed out on a lot," my mother remarked as we sorted through the clothes on the rack. The sky was threatening rain. I responded with a soft hum, methodically folding the freshly dried garments and placing them in a basket. The scent of rain hung in the air, and a sharp gust of cold wind sent a shiver down my spine. I'd forgotten just how chilling it could get here.

In the Red Moon Pack, our witch community comprises scarcely fifty individuals or so, all living in close proximity. Our home is nestled closer to the forest and the river, affording us a splendid view of the surrounding nature. In contrast to the werewolves, we don't reside in sprawling houses or own cars and jeeps. Instead, we make our homes in cabins, which, unfortunately, tend to gather a touch of mold during the monsoon season. Employment opportunities for witches who pay well enough for cars are scarce, so most of us rely on foot travel, buses, or bicycles. Despite being designated as the healers of the Pack by the Alpha, we're still not afforded the respect we deserve. Perhaps it's why many young witches, myself included, sought a life outside the Pack for better prospects.

My family, including my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents (whom we fondly call Momo), are deeply rooted in tradition, a trait that sets them apart from me. There have been moments when I've passionately discussed the injustices faced by our Pack with my father, even imploring him to consider leaving. However, he staunchly clings to age-old tales, resisting any thought of departure. While I personally don't subscribe to these stories, I choose not to voice my skepticism to my father, knowing it would only stoke his anger.

These stories harken back to a time when witches held dominion over the world, their accounts etched in historical records. The witches who ruled during that era are described as ruthless, subjecting werewolves to enslavement and perpetrating wide-scale genocides and massacres in their reign. As the centuries rolled on, werewolves ascended to power, sparking a conflict against these malevolent witches. Legend has it that during this war, the Goddess bestowed the werewolves with abilities surpassing even the most accomplished witches, a divine response to the witches' audacious claims of godhood.

In the ensuing battle, the werewolves vanquished the wicked witch leaders. However, those who hadn't partaken in the atrocities were shown mercy. In a further act of retribution, the Goddess withdrew the dynamic powers of the remaining witches. The older members of the witch community see their present life as a way to make up for the wrongdoings of their ancestors. They believe that by doing good and helping others, they can ensure a better life after they pass away. This strong belief drives them to work as healers, thinking it will purify them from their past mistakes.

Our elders cling to the belief that we owe a debt of gratitude to the werewolves, even though they fail to see that, even if it were true, we aren't to blame. It's an argument we can never win with them.

"I'm not interested in hearing about the changes, Mama. I'm only here for the funeral," I replied listlessly, taking the basket of neatly folded clothes and making my way back inside the familiar cabin. It was the same one I'd grown up in, a snug space with just two rooms, a living area, and a kitchen. In my younger years, I shared a room with Momo after my Popo (grandfather) passed away when I was still a toddler.

My mother followed me in, closing the door gently behind her. "Wait, didn't you mention you're on vacation? Why not stay for a few weeks?" she inquired.

She had a point. Technically, I was on vacation. I didn't have to return to work for another two weeks. I let out a deep sigh and sank into the worn, familiar embrace of the couch. "Yes, but I'm actually planning to take you and Dad to the city," I said, a warm smile gracing my lips. I dearly wanted a brighter future for her, one she couldn't achieve while confined to this place. "It's been two years since you both last visited me. I've moved to a new spot, and I truly think you'll love it. We can even plan a little weekend getaway to unwind," I proposed. Originally, I hadn't intended to broach this topic until after the funeral, but since Mama had brought it up, I decided to share it now.

My mother's smile radiated warmth. "I couldn't be prouder, but why go back to the city? It's so noisy and polluted there. How about staying here for a few weeks? Don't you miss your hometown, sweetie?" she gently inquired.

A tender smile graced my lips as I responded, "I miss all of you." I paused, my expression turning somber. "But I can't say I miss this place, not really." I shook my head, the weight of unpleasant memories pressing down on me. Thoughts of Momo crossed my mind, and a melancholic smile tugged at my lips. "I used to despise this place, but the only reason it was bearable at all was because of all of you. I still remember how Momo would soothe me with her stories and her cooking after I'd come home in tears from being bullied by the other kids," I added, my voice tinged with nostalgia

My mother let out a sigh, nodding in understanding. She settled beside me. My eyes stung as I conjured memories of Momo – her gentle voice, the laugh lines around her eyes, and that endearing toothless grin. She was truly a treasure.

"We weren't the only ones there for you, sweetie. It wouldn't be right to leave Ezra out. If anything, he was your biggest support and protector," my mother gently reminded me. She wasn't wrong. Ezra had been my anchor through those years. Without him, things would have been immeasurably harder. It wasn't fair to omit him from my thoughts, but I didn't want to dwell on him. The ache of how our friendship had unraveled was still too raw.

My gaze fell, my cheeks burning at the mention of his name. She knew how deeply I cared for him – everyone in the Pack did. It was one of the main reasons I'd left. I couldn't bear the taunts, the jeers, the humiliation once my feelings for him had become public. I kept silent, hoping my mother would let the topic drop, but when did she ever do what I wanted?

"He became Alpha just last year, you know?" she said.

I turned my gaze to her, genuinely surprised. "Really?" I asked.

She smiled gently. "Yes, he's Alpha Ezra now." I couldn't quite fathom why her eyes gleamed with such pride. It wasn't as if the werewolf community would suddenly treat us better just because he was an Alpha.

"What about Alpha Leo and Luna Dawn?" I inquired.

Mama shrugged. "They retired. There were quite a few changes in leadership positions last year," she explained.

"Wait, even Beta Sam stepped down?" I asked.

She chuckled softly. "Yes, and his son Caleb stepped up as Alpha Ezra's Beta."

"Holy smoking hell!" I exclaimed.

Mama shot me a reproving look. "Watch your language," she chided.

I shook my head, my eyes wide with disbelief. "No, really! That's a disaster, Mama. Caleb is bad news. What were they thinking making that man-child a Beta of a Pack!"

Mama was well aware of my intense dislike for Caleb. He was nothing but trouble, utterly devoid of responsibility, and behaved like a perpetual child. His antics had made life miserable for everyone, especially me. I despised how leaders could abuse their positions. Just because he was Beta Sam's son didn't automatically qualify him as a suitable Beta.

"Many felt the same way, but ever since he assumed power, he's undergone a transformation. He's not the same immature boy who tormented you. I can't say if it's a genuine change of heart or the weight of responsibility that did it, but it's worked! He's proving to be a devoted Beta. Alpha Ezra and Beta Caleb are gaining respect among neighboring Packs. They're not just strong; they're strategic too," Mama explained.

I rolled my eyes in response. "I don't care what you say, Mama. Caleb is a terrible person."

Mama smiled, her optimism undeterred. "Maybe if you stay a bit longer, you'll see how things have improved under their new leadership, sweetie."

I shook my head firmly. "I don't want to stay, not at all. I'm leaving in a few days, and I'm taking you and Dad with me," I insisted.

"Ah, your father won't come. You know how he is. He's never been fond of your move to the city. He doesn't like that you live there, and he's disheartened by your infrequent visits. Last time we returned from the city, he swore he'd never go back," she chuckled. "Good luck trying to convince him."

Getting up, she offered, "I'm going to prepare some herbal tea. Would you like some?"

After a long journey that I had, all I needed was Mama's herbal tea and a good night's sleep. "Sure," I agreed with a grateful smile.

Mama planted a kiss on my head before heading to the kitchen. However, she quickly returned, her smile replaced by a more serious expression.

"There's something I wanted to tell you, sweetie," she began.

I nodded, curious. "What is it?" I inquired.

She hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "Tonight, we'll all be going to Alpha's house, and you'll need to come too."

My heart sank into my stomach at the thought. "Why?" My palms were already damp with anxiety, dreading the prospect of seeing Ezra with his mate.

Mama pressed her lips together, looking hesitant. Finally, she explained, "Well, you don't know this, but today marks the third anniversary of the death of Alpha Ezra's mate, Daisy. We all light vigils and say a prayer for the departed soul."