The Alpha’s Weakness

Chapter 12- Xander

“ISABELLA”, I yell. I couldn’t help the rush of fear that escaped my body and the ground rumbling to it. I didn’t mean to. And there has only ever been one slip up after the death of my parents.

I kneel down on one side as Frankie kneels down on the other side and places his hand on her forehead. A small growl escapes my lips as his hands connect with her temple. Another small involuntary shake escapes from me. Geez this girl is going to make it hard to control myself.

“Calm down wolfie, she isn’t my type anyway…. Well good news is that she is fine. She just over did herself and knocked herself out cold. She will wake up in a bit.” He takes his hand away and sighs “On the other hand, she has a lot of pent up rage which isn’t good at all. So this is going to take a lot more work than I anticipated because she has a lot of power.”

I pick her up princess style and Frankie snaps us to her bedroom instantly. I lay her on her bed and we wait in the living area until she wakes up. Nothing but awkward silence between us. I know he called me out for powers in the meeting room, but if there was any doubt at all… well there isn’t one now. That’s for damn sure. I guess I should mark my accident board down back to zero.

It’s at least thirty minutes before anything is said out loud. Mainly because I think he knows I’m avoiding the conversation that I know he is so desperately trying to have, but also because I’m trying to listen to any movement coming from Isabella’s room.

“So how long do you think this training is going to take? Won’t you need to go back to the rogue pack at some point to avoid suspicion?” I say trying to break the ice.

“Well not really, see I have this… lets say stunt double; acting as me on my behalf. Whenever I need to know anything, all I have to do is tap into his eyes and be all caught up!” He says enthusiastically.

“Okay so why didn’t you do that in the first place? Would it have not made it a lot easier and you could do more things around here to help protect the palace?” I mention it curiously.

“No, not really. Hard to be able to concentrate when you have a splitting headache. Almost quite literally. Also, I enjoy dressing up and playing a different character here and there. Even as a dreadfully smelling one such as a rogue.” He smiles and I can’t help but notice the little spark in his eye.

“But enough about me… what about you my little earth shaker!” He leans back and sips a glass of wine he just magically made appear.

“Not so loud!! I don’t want anyone to know. I thought that was quite obvious when I shut you down at the meeting hall. It’s not something I enjoy talking about, or like to use. In fact, I’ve only ever used it twice before today, and every single time I've used it there have been accidents. Never again.” I say as a whispered shout.

“Okay but just saying, what happened wasn’t your fault. You had a traumatic experience just like she did. You guys can connect on that. And it will help you both use your powers for good rather than evil. And before you argue with me about it; just remember all the cool things that can happen. You can control anything on earth and she can control anything in the sky. Together you guys are meant to be. And you could do anything. Your bloodline is one of the strongest in the world. You're right up there with the royal bloodline. It’s not a coincidence that the Goddess hasn’t mixed you two up until now” He gives me a slight wink with that note and I remain silent.

He’s right, and I know he knows that I think he’s right. But the truth is, I’m terrified of my powers. I swallowed men into the earth one day and that was all because I was scared. What if I lost control and someone I cared for got hurt? What if I caused someone that means something to me, to die? It’s hard to express that I’m fearful of anything as a werewolf and especially as an Alpha. I just don’t want anyone to think less of me because of it.

It’s about another ten minutes before I hear Isabella stir in her bedroom. Before we know it she walks in with a confused look across her face. We calmly explain what happened as she takes a seat in the chair across from me. Chief couldn’t help the twinge of annoyance at the fact she didn’t next to us, or even better… on us.

“So you're saying that this is normal and that I shouldn’t be worried and to in fact expect it at least a couple more times? Well great, thanks!” The look on her face was anything but thankful, by the way.

“Yes, and since you are awake and fully aware of how serious this is, I should take my leave. I must get back to the rogues and continue on my path. Especially since they are expecting an answer tonight. You of all people Isabella need to stay in and stay safe. If I hear that you are not, then I will personally request that the King and Queen allow me to put a charm on you that makes you stay in this castle unless accompanied by me.” I can’t help but think Frankie should do it anyway, but I’m trying to stay on Isabella’s good side, so I say nothing.

“Okay but I have one last question!” She calls out before he could disappear. With a nod of his head to continue she asks. “Before I lost consciousness I knew for a fact that I felt the ground shake. Was that you?”

I can’t help the sudden ache in my heart as I realize what is about to come forth. He’s about to call me out and I’m going to be left stuttering like a fool as I try to explain why only one…. Well now two people know that I have powers of the earth.

Without a single hesitation he says “Oh I’m so sorry, that was me. I couldn’t help it after I realized you were collapsing. Just a slip of the mind. Is there anything else before I take my leave?”

After a shake of her head no, I caught his eyes before he left and I mouth the words ‘Thank you’ and with a single nod in my direction and a snap of his fingers, he was gone.

We stayed in our spots quietly for another round of awkward silence before words cut the silence.

“Well a deal is a deal, what do you want for dinner?” And with a nervous laugh the conversation started to flow nicely through the room.

We decided that since we both had a long day, we would both take part in cooking supper and then talk about ourselves instead of watching a movie. As we started to make some burgers and potato casserole I caught her up on everything that had happened in the three weeks she was asleep. Apparently her parents didn’t do very much of that. The conversation made time go quickly and before we knew it, we had sat down and started to devour the food before us. I know they are just burgers, but damn this woman can cook.

“So now that you are all caught up, can I ask some questions about yourself?” I ask between large bites of food. She giggles a tiny bit when she points to the dribble of juice running down my face, and I quickly wipe it up and blush a tiny bit in embarrassment. She agrees and I start my parade of questions all at once and not stopping until I ask every single question in my mind.

“So what is your favorite color? Mine’s teal. What is your favorite book? Outside activity? How about your favorite food, since your food is amazing. Oh and I can’t forget the movie. When is your birthday? Oh wait… stupid question. What’s your favorite holiday and also your favorite season?” I could hardly contain my excitement as I got to know the girl I’m meant to be with. It was kind of terrifying, but in a really good way.

“Well my favorite color is blue. But not a specific blue. Any type of blue really. I don’t have a favorite book but my favorite author is Rick Riordan. I love to swim, in fact I have this secret little waterfall area that I love and it relaxes me a lot. I love pasta. Even though you already know; my birthday is on August 17, and my favorite holiday is Christmas. I love all the lights and the fact that everyone I love can have a day off to be with each other.” She says with a smile dancing on her lips.

‘“You forgot one. What’s your favorite season?” I am excited as she tells me everything. But with this question, the smile fades to just a small lift of the corner of her mouth

“Fall.”

“Why is that your favorite?” I say silently hoping she doesn’t stop.

“Well I love how the weather is not too hot or cold. I can comfortably wear a long sleeve and a sweatshirt and not still be cold or be uncomfortably hot. The days start to get shorter and the nights longer. And the leaves on the trees. They all change color and fall to the ground, painting the earth with beauty and color.

She looks down and pushes her food around her plate and she unconsciously grabs the necklace and twirls the charm around her fingers. I know she is thinking about a memory she shared with Ryker. A twinge of jealousy makes its way into my thoughts but I quickly push it aside. He may not be here anymore but he will always be a core part of her life and I can never ruin that for her. It wouldn’t be right. Taking the advice of Frankie I chime in.

“My favorite season is the fall as well. But it’s not for the reason you have. My parents were born at the end of October. Just a few days apart from each other actually. We would always invite over friends and celebrate the two of them on the same day. But the best part is we always went to a fall festival we held in the pack to celebrate our success with crops that year. It was one of the only days we felt like just a normal family instead of the ‘Alpha’s family’. Now with them being gone, we celebrate it every year in remembrance of my parents.” I say with a small smile hoping by telling her something from my past will help her open up more about hers.

She looks up as I tell her and smiles at me once I’m finished. “That was lovely. Thank you for telling me that.” We look into each other's eyes and before I get the nerve to lean in and kiss her, the sound of a throat clearing in the doorway breaks our focus on each other as we turn towards it.

Her father stands in the doorway with a slightly grim expression on his face. “I truly do hate to break this up but it’s almost time. We need to be ready for an attack once the time frame passes. We need to start getting troops ready.” And with that he leaves, closing the door behind him. I stand up and start heading towards the door. Isabella close behind me.

“Be safe out there. My pack needs you more than ever. And please stay safe” she says. She grabs my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. I nod my head as sparks fly up my arm at her touch and I walk out the door. With the door shut behind me and the King standing next to it waiting for me. We walk together to face what is to become of us next.