SHADOWS OF THE ALPHA

CHAPTER 004

It was the anniversary of our mother's death. The pain felt just as raw each year. The only person who had ever really understood me was her. However, my father continued to be aloof. He refused to give his sons the title of Alpha, even after losing his mate. He brushed the subject aside whenever we mentioned it, possibly not knowing which of us to pick.

It was unusual for an Alpha to have no successor named at the age of 23. As quadruplets, my brothers and I each had our advantages and disadvantages. We had assumed responsibility for the pack after our father had grown more aloof since the death of our mother. He was Alpha only in name, in my opinion. He needed to decide something. He was only 47, but his judgment was failing.

I harbored a nagging suspicion that he was patiently waiting for one of us to find our partner. He adhered to the widely held belief that an Alpha could not effectively lead without the presence of a Luna. From the time they turned 18, when we develop our wolves and the capacity to sense our destined partners, my brothers aspired to find their mates. Having seen our parents' love, I yearned for a similar connection.

However, I decided to reject my mate, should I ever find one, after witnessing how my father's grief consumed him following the death of our mother. My brothers and I couldn't leave the pack, no matter how sad we were. We had lived in the Silberbach Rudel and had seen it develop. Our father should have resigned, but he didn't.

I dreaded the meeting when he called me to his office. He pretended that he was the only one who was saddened by her passing. Anja, my brother, thought I was exaggerating. He seemed unaware of our surroundings and tended to keep quiet by immersing himself in books.

Ethan and Gabriel appreciated the mate bond despite understanding my viewpoint. They were unable to see how it had diminished a great man to a shadow of his former self. If we hadn't been there, what would have happened to the pack? I was unable to understand their forgiveness.

Victoria was asleep when I got out of bed. For years, we had been seeing each other informally. It was primarily physical for me. She was lovely, and I needed someone after our mother passed away. I assumed she considered us exclusive. Although I cared for her, I didn't share the same feelings she had. I didn't need a Luna, and she wouldn't be mine.

I quickly showered before going to my father's office. I knocked, walked in, and saw the man I had once admired.

"You wanted to see me, Alpha," I said icily as I looked him in the eye. With a sigh, he stood with his brows knitted.

"Sure, let's take a stroll." I gave him a nod and went with him through the woods, past the pack's main area, and toward the Eisgratberge. Silently, we strolled. Hearing my father's disapproval, I lit a cigarette. I didn't care.

I stopped when we got to the mountain's base.

"What do you want me to understand that calls for this hike?" I asked, letting out a puff of smoke.

He motioned for us to keep walking.

"The Alpha title is at issue. He started by saying, "I want to find a fair way to decide among you all."

My heart fell. I waited to hear what he would say next.

Do you want us to compete with one another? We've been managing the group effectively. Could you please clarify why one of us needs to take the lead? I became agitated and snapped. My brothers and I had a close relationship. I didn't want the title or a woman to stand in our way.

"A leader is necessary for every pack. I fail to see why that should make a difference.

"It will bring about a change. Did you bring me here for that reason? Are you planning to assign the title to someone else? Is that Ethan? I became agitated. Although we were all born minutes apart, Ethan was officially the firstborn. I didn't find that very significant.

He sighed in frustration, "I haven't decided anything yet." He appeared worn out from the ascent. How could he ensure the pack's safety?

"We used to be close, Sabatian. I am aware of what transpired with your mother—"

I interrupted him. I would rather not talk to him about her. He pretended not to be concerned. Something fluttering in the wind caught my attention.

"What's that over there?" Both of us made our way to the movement. My dad hurried forward to look into it.

He hurried over to them and yelled back, "It's two women!" I picked up the pace and followed. Discarded bags surrounded them as they huddled for warmth.

My father tried to pull them apart by demanding, "Come help me." Together, they were half-frozen. My heart leaped. Her long blond hair whipped in the wind, making it impossible for me to see her face. I hoped she would be alright.

"They look half-dead," I said. The other woman, clinging to the girl, had a pale face and cracked lips. A big sweater still obscured her face, but her slim legs looked good in jeans.

Who were they? The closest one was hours away on foot, and they weren't part of our pack. They had made great progress.

My father handed me the little girl and said, "If you take this one, I'll carry the other." I felt possessive as I held her in my arms. As I protected her from the wind, she tucked her face into my chest. Her hair blew back, exposing her face. Her long lashes, thin nose, and soft pink lips made her look stunning. Gorgeous freckles adorned her skin.

"Yes, Alpha," I said, my heart pounding. I looked at her body. In my arms, she felt light. I wanted to make sure she was safe. Although her eyes were still closed, I could see that she had a few scratches on her face but no blood.

As we made our way back to the pack, I watched my father lift the other woman. I enjoyed the sensation of holding her close. It felt strange to hold her close, especially since I didn't know her or what color her eyes were. I sensed that they would be perfect for each other.

In my arms, she stirred. I would rather not frighten her. She was young, so it was difficult to tell her pack because I couldn't feel her wolf yet. I glanced back at their bags, which must have been significant if they almost died while carrying them. I took care not to bump into her as I slung them over my shoulder.

"Silence, young one. I whispered, "You're safe," as her aroma filled my nostrils. She had a rainy, lilac scent. In my mind, my wolf grunted in approval as it stirred. No woman ever appealed to him.

"Sebastian, move quickly! With a slightly panicked tone, my father insisted, "We have to take them to the infirmary!" I gave her a downward glance. My heart raced as she nestled into my chest. In my mind, my wolf was practically purring.

As I followed my father back down the mountain toward our pack, I pushed away the emotion she had evoked in me. I held her carefully. Being so worried about her already made me feel foolish. To me, she was nothing.

I began to worry about her when we got to the infirmary. She remained unconscious. Yes, I had already given her a name, but I didn't need anyone else to know how I felt about her. My brother, Gabriel, came out. He was always skilled at healing and assisting people. Working here was one of his responsibilities. Healing was one of his many talents.

He yelled, "What happened?" as he walked over to my father and me to evaluate the two women we were holding. First, he examined the woman in my father's arms and instructed him on where to take her and what medical equipment he would require.

Then he approached my child. He turned her face toward his, and I had to fight the urge to snarl at him. He examined her, but instead of telling me to take her somewhere, as he had done with my father, he attempted to remove her from my embrace.

"I am able to carry her! Where ought I to put her? I yelled, my inner wolf roaring. I pushed him away. I didn't need him to get involved. Gabriel gave me a strange look that I couldn't understand.

"Room 5," he abruptly added. I was on my way before he could try to take her again.

I walked in and set her down gently. After brushing the hair off her forehead with my fingers, I took a step back when Gabriel entered carrying some supplies. He examined her with his little torch.

Her eyes suddenly opened. The most stunning, brilliant green eyes greeted me. She had enchanted me then. Before she appeared to realize where she was, her pupils dilated and her eyes lingered on mine. She jolted upright, her features taking on an expression of fear.

"MUM!"