Chapter one
1941 Words
Alex, you see your old man over there?” Aiden – Alex’s closest uncle, nodded toward Julian, who stood at the heart of the pack’s gathering. “He’s something else, ain’t he?”
Alex watched his father, the Alpha of the Phoenix pack, as he addressed the pack members. “Yeah, he’s got that fierce Alpha thing down and sometimes I don’t believe the same blood runs through our veins.”
“It’s more than that, though,” Aiden said, his voice dropping lower. “ Were you told about the real story of how Julian’s mate died?”
Alex’s expression darkened. “Yeah, my mom. I’ve heard different stories.”
“Rhoda,” Aiden whispered, “She meant everything to him. Her death… it changed him.”
Alex sighed, his gaze fixed on Julian, who seemed so strong. Then he asked his uncle “He never really got over it, did he?
Aiden shook his head. “Nah, he’s still carrying that pain, and guilt, it is written all over him. “I expected that he would have gotten over her after all these years, but reverse is the case”
Alex’s thoughts drifted to the relationship between his parents, he remembered how his father treated his mother before her demise. Alex sometimes wonders why his mother’s death got to his father when he doesn’t show love to her openly.
“It’s like he’s trapped in the past,” Alex said
“That’s why he’s always been so focused on ensuring he takes revenge and kills Canagan,” Aiden said, bitterness seeping into his tone. “That guy’s the reason Rhoda’s gone and we will ensure we revenge”
Alex’s eyes hardened. “Canagan. One day, I will make him pay for what he did to my family. Before killing him, I will make him feel what it is like to lose a mate just like my father.”
Aiden clapped and patted him on the back. “Just don’t let that quest for revenge consume you like it did your old man.”
“I know Rhoda won’t like you and your father dwelling in the past, she would want both of you to move on”
Alex looked at his uncle and was surprised about what was coming out of his mouth; he never wanted to argue, because it might cause him to sound disrespectful.
“Uncle Aiden, I would like to take a walk, I feel choked,” Alex said with sadness in his tone.
“Alright Alex, you need it,” Aiden told him and wished that he would not be consumed with this same grief and rage as his father.
As Alex strolled alone, lost in thought. He thought about his mum and ways he could have his revenge without endangering anyone.
“I wish we could find a way to protect the pack without losing anyone,” he muttered to himself.
“Alex, that’s a noble goal,” a voice chimed in from behind him. Rudolf, his trusted friend, came visiting and sighted his friend from afar, he knew Alex was sad again, all was written all over his face.
Alex turned to him with a half-smile, surprised and happy his best friend was there. “Yeah, but sometimes it feels like an impossible one.”
Rudolf clapped him on the back. “Hey, listen, nothing worth doing is ever easy, I swear on the mother moon, you will get your revenge! Mark my words”
Alex was so happy with this revelation and this lifted his spirit. At least there is one person who supports his decision of revenge.
As they continued walking, Alex’s mind drifted back to memories of his mother. “You know, Rudolf, sometimes I can’t help but think about how my mom was killed, was she in pain? Did she die immediately? It’s been years, but the pain and thought of how she died still lingers.”
Rudolf nodded. “Rhoda was an amazing woman. Her memory lives on, she is by far the best Luna we have ever had in this realm.”
Alex clenched his fists, anger welling up. “I won’t rest until we bring justice for her.”
Rudolf placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I get it, man. Remember, that I support you totally, just call me and I will answer”
Just then, the distant sound of a running werewolf reached their ears. Instinct kicked in, and both Alex and Rudolf were alert.
“Did you hear that?” he asked his senses on high alert.
Rudolf nodded. “Yeah, that sounds like trouble.”
They both crouched behind some bushes, observing as a pure white wolf emerged from the shadows.
“Whoa, look at that wolf,” Rudolf whispered.
Alex’s gaze was fixed on the newcomer. “Something’s off about her, she doesn’t seem okay”
The white wolf turned and her eyes met Alex’s, there was a silent plea that seemed to pass between them.
“Look at her eyes, “Rudolf said. “She’s asking for help.”
Alex’s heart softened, and he nodded. “I can’t just stand by, I need to help her”
Without hesitation, he transformed into his wolf form and positioned himself between the unknown pack and the newcomer.
“Easy there, wolf,” Rudolf whispered, “we don’t know her intentions….” Before he could complete his statement, Alex had already turned and faced the attackers.
The packs, upon seeing Alex in his alpha form, hesitated. They were surprised that an Alpha like him was around, fear was evident in their eyes as they recognized his authority.
“Hey, this is not good,” one of them muttered, backing away as he changed into the woman form.
Alex’s presence alone was enough to scare them away and they decided to retreat.
As the tension eased, Alex shifted back to his human form. The white wolf, now back in her human form, looked at him with gratitude.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Alex smiled. “It’s fine. Are you okay?”
The girl nodded. “I’m Isabella.” She said faintly
“Alex,” he introduced himself. “ “what are you doing in this part of the forest”
Isabella nodded again. “Yeah, I lost my way while taking a walk in the forest .”
Alex was surprised that could happen, and he thought she might probably be new around here. He looked at her beautiful blue eyes. “You look exhausted. Are you hurt?” Before Isabella could answer she fainted
Seeing that, Alex lifted her and carried her to their camp. Alex bringing an unknown wolf to the settlement raised suspicion amongst the pack, most especially his father.
Isabella’s POV
Isabella felt a strong, reassuring arm carrying her, but her body was too weak to fully comprehend where she was being taken. All she knew was that she had been saved from the clutches of those who sought to end her life. Her father, Canagan, was a controversial figure – seen as wicked and heartless by many, but to Isabella, he had always been a loving and caring man. She couldn’t fathom why people despised him so much, let alone why they wanted her dead.
As Isabella gradually regained consciousness, she found herself resting on a soft, furry bed, unlike anything she had seen before. The unfamiliar surroundings puzzled her, but she sensed safety and warmth in the air. Soon, voices from outside reached her ears, and she strained to listen.
“Alex, bringing an intruder into our camp during preparations for war was reckless,” one voice spoke with concern
“Father, she’s not a threat. I saved her from outlaws who were intent on killing her,” boomed the voice of her saviour, and she recognized his voice as belonging to the person who had comforted her when she had nightmares.
Alex saw that she was half awake, went to her bedside, and greeted her kindly, introducing his father, Julian, who was also in the room to her. Isabella sensed a hint of hostility, which only confirmed her decision to escape as soon as she regained her strength.
“Thank you, Alex. I’m truly grateful for saving me.” She managed to say, trying to appear as harmless as possible.
“You are welcome, Isabella. Can I call you Isabelle?” Alex asked with a warm smile, to which she nodded in agreement.
As Alex extended his hand for a handshake, their fingers touched, and an electric jolt surged through both of them. At that moment, they felt an inexplicable connection, as if fate had brought them together for a purpose beyond their understanding. Isabella’s inner instincts stirred, and the animal within her whispered a single word, “Mine.” She was taken aback and struggled to find the right words to express the intense emotions swirling within her.
Alex, too, was lost in the overwhelming flood of feelings. It was as if time stood still, and the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them connected by an invisible thread of destiny. They could feel their souls reaching out to each other, drawn by an undeniable force that neither of them could resist.
Breaking the silence, Alex finally spoke, his voice tinged with wonder and astonishment, “Isabella, I feel it too. There’s something inexplicably powerful between us, something I can’t explain. I think we’re meant to be together.”
Isabella’s heart raced with both excitement and trepidation. It was a lot to process – being saved, finding herself in a new pack’s territory, and now discovering a soul-deep bond with the pack’s Alpha, Alex. She had heard of the fabled connection between werewolves known as “mates,” but she never expected to experience it firsthand, especially not with Alex, whose reputation as a strong and noble leader preceded him.
Isabella’s wounds healed but she still felt she needed to leave because her father will be on the lookout for her now. All of a sudden, there was a sudden shout from outside the room she was in.
“I can’t believe this Alex! How could you do this to me?” Said a voice she could not place yet
“Father, I never knew who she was, I just thought I could help” Alex boomed
“I will show Canagan what it takes to lose someone he loves dearly,” said Julian
“No father! Noooooo, she is my mate” Alex shouted begging his father to understand him.
“Reject her now, you will get another mate, I don’t care, I will have my revenge”
Isabelle hearing their conversation was so scared because she knew they were talking about her father and judging from the conversation Alex can’t save her, she needs to act fast or she will be executed immediately. Before Isabelle could think of running away, she heard
“Guardssssss! Go in there and take that lady to the dungeon” boomed Julian angrily
Alex was so scared as he has never seen his father
Like this. “Father no!!! You can’t kill her, she knows nothing about Mother’s death”
Julian turned a deaf ear and urged the guards to do as he said immediately. Isabella suddenly saw the guards, they carried her roughly not caring if she was hurt before. She was so scared and at that moment she knows no one can save her, she wished Alex can help, then she heard
“Execute her tomorrow at noon,” Julian ordered.
- Writer
