Chapter 11- Alex
1060 Words
I feel like I’ve grown up in the last 15months since my very public fall from Grace. However, this last month in particular has aged me, I no longer feel like a springy young man with the world at my feet. I feel like the weight of the world has been placed on my shoulders.
Watching John-John die, well that changed me in an irreparable way. I had known him for most of my life, we had been close friends for years. I can’t believe he is dead; I can’t believe I’m never going to see him again.
I’m very aware of my own mortality now. I never really feared death, never thought about it until I watched one of my oldest friends slain like he was a mongrel.
His mother’s pain when I went to see her afterwards will never leave me. I will look out for his mother as a final show of respect to my friend, as an apology for being unable to protect him.
Tonight, it’s our turn to host a social event for our pack and neighbouring packs who we are on good terms with.
Our event is a festival. We have it on the beach with a large bonfire, music, food, and dancing. I usually love this event, but I feel like I’ve lost my zest for life since the attack.
I am a lieutenant and a warrior, and therefore fighting has never phased me. What I don’t like is an unfair fight where I don’t even know my opponent and the reasons for said fight. That’s fundamentally what I take exception to. It just feels wrong inviting outsiders onto our lands right now.
I don’t trust anyone; I feel suspicious and on edge due to my wolf's hyper vigilance. However, it is my duty as Second-In-Command to oversee this event, and I will do an excellent job even if it kills me.
I’m still trying to prove myself to my brother and trying to make amends for my past behaviour. I know Andrew has been patient with me, I owe my brother a great deal and I understand now that he is on my side. He wants to help and protect me, and now I want the same for him.
Things have changed in my life since that half-moon mixer. For one my brother taught me the art of discretion. I’m choosier about my s****l partners now taking his advice on short no-strings flings within the confines of a contract and it’s been better than I expected.
I know I was out of control, taking liberties and behaving like a prized prat, I could blame it on being young, on having a high s*x drive etc. But the fact of the matter is I wasn’t mature enough to understand how ridiculous and destructive my behaviour had become.
I’m ashamed that it took that kiss and tell and the threat to my brother's position to awaken me, but I have done everything in my power to become a better man, a better werewolf and my brother has started entrusting me with more pack stuff.
My brother walks into my office. “How's the planning going Alex?”
I know he thinks planning this event will cheer me up, but I’m still down about John-John and paranoid about the other packs.
“So-so... I’ve just ordered wristbands so that the underaged can’t order alcohol, under 18s is red for stop, over 18s is green for go!”
I can see my brother is impressed, underage drinking has always been a problem at our event, and I should know because I led the trend. However, to be respectful of our more reserved guests I thought this might be a good idea.
“Great work Alex, I’m impressed.”
I give him a small smile. “Hey I’ve got to use my past and experience to my advantage now, haven’t I?!
My brother ponders my words before replying. “No you don’t have to, but the fact that you want to use your experience for the good of the pack shows how much you’ve grown.”
His words give me a feeling of pride, I appreciate the thought that has gone into his words, Andy is not known for being eloquent or smooth, but that was top notch!
“Alex, I know you're still mourning but I need your help, I need you at these negotiations with me, what do you say brother, are you ready to take on the role you were born to have in our pack?”
I’ve been waiting for this moment for most of my adult life. For my brother to officially welcome me as the Second-In-Command.
Until now I’ve been floating in between being a pack member and the Second-In-Command; because I’m a new breed the role is very blurred but it’s becoming increasingly obvious to both me and my brother that I am more successful at these negotiations and therefore it is in our best interest as the leadership team of the pack to step up and embrace the role I have been given.
“Yes brother, I’m more than ready.”
He grabs my hand like in a handshake but then his hand moves along my arm to my elbow, I grip his elbow back too.
“I, Alpha Andrew McClaren of the Scarlet Moon pack formally name you Alexander McClaren Second-In-Command. Do you promise to always act with integrity, loyalty and honesty?”
“I do.”
“Do you promise to lead by example, asking nothing of your pack that you wouldn’t do yourself, and to always put the safety and security of your pack as paramount?”
“I promise.”
And just like that it’s over, however I’m filled with purpose now.
“We leave for Indigo Moon after the bonfire, ok? Oh, and The Crescent Moon Alpha has been on the phone asking if they are still invited, they didn’t get their invitations, can you take care of that SIC.”
I frown in confusion. “Yes, no problem but what does SIC mean?”
He’s smiling as he leaves “SIC- Second-In-Command I was just trying it out.”
Oh no he doesn’t... I’m not being SIC!
“Do not call me that again!”
But he’s already left, laughing as he goes.
- Writer
