Whisper of the Wood

chapter 13

Alistair barely slept a wink before the meeting with his uncle. Not because he feared the consequences of his actions but because the images of the strange creature plagued his mind. Its striking golden eyes piercing his thoughts each time he closed his eyes. Then guilt was pass over his body like a wave, the guilt of what could of happened to Jason if they didnt reach him in time, he had put his pack members in danger. This is why he was the second born son of the Alpha king. He was not born to lead and protect a pack. The thought crushed him, knowing he had yet to find his place, he believed this was the reason the Moon Goddess herself kept him from his mate, he wasn't ready.

It was 11:50 by the time he reached his uncles office door. He could hear the four heartbeats beyond it, the others had all arrived and he knew his uncle could sense his presence. As he opened the door he was greeted with a familiar scene, his uncles back to them as he overlooked the afternoon scenery of the royal gardens. Alistair took his place between Ethan and Sasha and broke the silence. 'I take full responsibility uncle' his voice was steady and sure. Jason and Ethan attempt to jump in and protect Alistair as Grayson turns to face the young wolves to silence thier bickering.

'ENOUGH!!!' his voice boomed, and small grin forming on his face as the three male wolves stop. 'Whats the grin for uncle?'

'despite your insesent need to break rules Alistair, you really have grown into a fine young Alpha and you have selected Betas who have much potential' he mused

'though I must hear what you have to say?' he asks as he turns his gaze to Sasha.

unnerved and standing tall she responds 'I will always protect my Alpha Prince regardless the concequences. Last night I failed and that wont happen again'

Grayson's face softens 'Alistair you will remain under lockdown for the next three months, no late night runs and no diversions to the training ground. yes you still have training, I expect to see you there everyday at the crack of dawn. Sasha he is your responsibility, you are expected to be by his side from the crack of dawn until sundown, I will have Gamma Christian cover the night time guard. Ethan I expect you to undertake responsibilities with the junior pups training for the next 6 weeks, I expect to see improvements in thier performance by then or I will extend it. Jason ...' Grayson pauses for a brief moment as if still contemplating the young wolfs punishment.

'.... I'm sending you to Silver Dusk you will train with Alpha Gideons warriors'

'what? Beta Grayson you cant be serious my brother is still only ...' Sasha was cut off as Grayson continued. 'This isnt up for discussion and I will inform your parents'

Jasons heart rate began to beat rapidly, he had only began his warrior training a week ago with the Royal pack wolves only advanced warriors are sent to train with the subdivision packs. His sister was 17 when she was sent to Shadow Mist for her training being the youngest in her group, even Alistair and Ethan were 18 when they were sent away having only just returned this summer.

'For how long?' the young wolf timidly asked.

'3 months in Silver Dusk and a further three in Shadow mist' the young wolfs heart sank, not one but two external placements.

As if antispating Jasons next Question Grayson stated to the room 'you leave tomorrow I will organise your accompanying guard, you are all dismissed'

The four wolves left the office and headed to the common room. It was empty at this time as all other wolves were in training or lessons. 'Its not fair!!' Sasha screamed as she kicked a nearby stool sending it into the wall.

'it doesn't make any sense, the only one who gets an actual punishment is my little brother.' her temper rises and she turns to Alistair 'and you ...' her finger digging into his right shoulder 'you get the same punishment you always get and I'm stuck babysitting'

Ethan attempts to diffuse the situation placing a reassuring hand on Sashas arm but she slaps it away 'dont touch me Ethan' and she storms to the other side of the room to cool off, keeping her glaring gaze on Alistair.

'Shes not completely wrong' Ethan sighs running his hand through his hair. 'Though I cant help but wonder what grayson is thinking, especially with the important pack information he divulged this morning'

Alistair took a seat and leaned his head back keeping his gaze to a mark on the ceiling above, 'Its protocol for the Alphas to be informed immediately of high priority threats, seems until my uncles visit to the other packs the serverity of the situation wasn't clear. its likely upon his return he tried to get in touch with my father, Alec and I, of course I wasn't hear which means he out two and two together and figured I had done another runner'

'But why would he send me away' Jason whimpered from the other side of the table.

'I don't know Jay, probably your sisters actual punishment. Cause lets face it she's so thrilled to be on babysitter duty' Alistair smiles to himself at the words, as much as his punishment was almost the same as evey other time he knew there was one big difference, Sasha was going to be a pain in the ass for the next three months.

'I swear to the heavens above Alistair if you make one more comment like that I'll personally rip your jaw right off'

'I'd like to see you try, Slasher Sasha!' Alistair retorted to the she-wolf, who didn't hesitate to lunge towards her alpha her eyes as dark as the night as her wolf took over.

They had many arguements over the years but Sasha had never followed through with her empty threats, she was inches away from striking Alistair in the face, but he swiftly dodged her attacks with ease. He then took a swing, landing a blow to her chest cause her ribs to crack from the impact. Then another and another his wolf bubbling to the surface each time he made contact.

Sasha was unfazed by the numerous injuries, they would heal quickly. instead she opted to change stance pulling a small dagger out from her belt, throwing it towards Alistair's face, it nicked his ear as he bearly dodged the blade and then he felt the crunching impact on his face. Sasha had landed a punch and broke his nose. Ethan dashed forward grabbing sasha and pinning her to the ground, he gently whispered into her ear calming her wolf and bringing her back to her senses. Alistair was fighting his own battle to stay in control, his wolf wanted to rip her apart, make her submit.

To his surprise after Ethan released her she knelt before him and displayed her neck, a sign of respect and a pleading apology.

'what was that about?' Jason called out from his seat, clearly stunned by the sudden change of events.

'I'm sorry' sasha whimpered, she was never one to grovel. Alistair knew he was at fault and struck a cord, Sasha was a loving sister and struggled with the knowledge that jason was growing up and she needed to start letting go. Had Ethan have not intervened Alistair dreaded to think what he would have done to her.