Chapter Two
1388 Words
Flashback to two days earlier...
“What exactly is going on?” Alpha Ronald’s thunderous voice echoed through the meeting room as he entered through the doorway. Two of his betas were behind him. Their names were Kline and Turin.
The door closed gently as Turin held the knob. Alpha Ronald looked at the group of elders seated around the round table.
"Welcome, Alpha." The people in the room greeted in chorus.
Alpha Ronald stormed to his seat. Then, he clasped his palm and looked at the group of elders across him.
“What happened?” he asked, obvious irritation showing clearly in his words.
One of the elders looked at the others and he took the chance to speak first. He said, “Three people lost control over their wolves today. At this moment, they are of the same status as ordinary humans.”
"Not a lot of people have made a connection to that incident, but it is only a matter of time before they begin to suspect what is going on."
Another elder added, "We can not sit idly and do nothing."
The room fell silent immediately after his words.
Alpha Ronald's clasped palms slowly loosened and his irritation reduced. He held his temple and stroked it as he said, “What we feared has come true.”
The elders nodded in approval of his words.
Then, one of them said, “It is time we go forth with the plan ten years ago. We can’t hold forth anymore and if things keep going on like this, what happened that year will reoccur again.”
“First Elder is right.” Another chimed in. “We’ve held on for so long and managed to regrow the pack. We can’t afford for such a thing to happen again.”
Alpha Ronald looked at the group of people as they all expressed their thoughts.
"I know."
He closed his eyes and massaged his temple silently. He was quiet and it seemed as though he was deliberating.
He knew he couldn’t avoid making this decision and he had long prepared for it to eventually happen. However, when the time finally came he was reluctant to give his approval.
"It is very risky." He murmured not speaking to any of them in particular.
One of the elders who was a woman sighed and spoke up, "We all understand how you feel, Alpha. And to be honest, Cassie is a precious member of the pack. We can not afford to lose her to."
"But, the curse is not to be underestimated. And you know how deadly it can be."
Sixteen years back, a certain curse befell their pack and lives were lost in the process.
The cure of the curse was a gem known as Thryst Seed which had only appeared in a rival pack. But it was too risky for them to snatch the gem from those people as they were stronger and had more defenses than them.
When Cassie heard of the situation, she volunteered to go on the mission to steal the gem from the Crescent Moon Pack. It was a very difficult task but Cassie was determined.
Alpha Ronald knew what kind of person his daughter was and that was why he didn’t tell her about it. But, he was helpless against her decision.
Especially when the elders were in support of her decision. After all, even though, Cassie was the Alpha’s daughter, she had an awkward position in the pack. She was the only hybrid in the pack as she was the offspring of a werewolf and vampire.
Although Cassie was strong and she was an extremely good fighter, it would be an advantage for her if she led this mission for the good of the pack. It would strengthen her position as the future Alpha of the Stone Creek Pack.
Since then, it was decided that they would then discuss the next course of action after Cassie turned eighteen. Cassie was turning eighteen that day and the Alpha was initially preparing to attend the party organized for her birthday when he received the news that the elders called for a meeting.
Alpha Ronald removed his hand from his temple and looked up at the white ceilings. His fists tightened and it was clear he was having a hard time making a decision.
Everyone knew how much the Alpha treasured and loved his daughter. It was also due to this love that he couldn’t bear to reject her and let her lead the mission.
After some time, he lowered his gaze from the ceiling and looked at the elders.
He sighed and finally spoke up, “Okay. I’ll discuss with her and decide the day she will leave for Crescent Moon Pack.”
The elders looked at each other and gathered together for a moment to come to a consensus. And after they did, one of them said, “Okay. But, we have to make a decision fast before time runs out.”
Alpha Ronald looked up and glared at the man upon hearing this.
It was his precious daughter they were talking about. Should he be excited and send her as a package to the enemy’s den?
He spoke, gritting his teeth, displeasure rolling off him in buckets. “I’ll make a decision and inform you when the time comes.”
About thirty minutes later,
Alpha Ronald leaned back into the swivel chair in his office and closed his eyes. His expression was forlorn and he seemed to have aged a few years more in just thirty minutes.
His mind flashed and he recalled the night his Luna gave birth and died. She was in extreme pain from the curse and still had to endure the pain of childbirth. But regardless, still wanted to protect the child and chose to risk her own life.
As Alpha Ronald thought, he heaved a heavy sigh.
He muttered helplessly, “What can I do? I fear that the mission will fail and she’ll be captured.” Then, he sighed again. “But, I can’t persuade her not to go.”
The betas looked at their Alpha and felt sorry for him.
After all, they knew how hard the decision he was making was for him. After all, if it were their children, they wouldn’t also be willing to send them to danger.
But regardless, they all knew that Cassie wasn’t a weak person either. She was a very strong fighter so they placed high hopes on her.
One of the betas said, “What have you decided on, Alpha?”
Alpha Ronald pursed his lips. “What else can I decide on? I can only let her do what she wants. After all, I also have to think about the safety of the pack.”
Then, he looked at the Kline and Turin.
He said, “I assign you two to go with her and retrieve that gem for the pack.”
“Us?” Turin subconsciously asked.
Alpha Ronald nodded. “You three have been training together for a long time. You must have developed good teamwork. It will increase your chances of being successful.”
The two betas looked at each other before chorusing, “Alright, Alpha.”
Then Aloha Ronald sat up and said slowly, “Cassie would aim to retrieve the gem at all costs. Even if her life is threatened. So, I hope you can follow her and make sure she is safe too.”
“Definitely, Alpha.”
Alpha Ronald looked at the three and when he saw the unshaken resolve in their gazes, he knew he had placed his daughter in good hands.
He heaved a sigh of relief before saying, “You all can leave.”
“Okay, Alpha.” The betas bowed respectfully before leaving one after the other.
Kline was the last person to leave. Just as he was about to step out, the Alpha called,
“Kline?”
The young beta turned to Alpha Ronald. “Yes, Alpha.”
“Tell Cassie to come see me.”
Kline turned and looked at him for a moment before asking, “Should I tell her to come here?”
Alpha Ronald nodded.
“Yes.”
Kline gave an understanding nod before turning around and leaving the meeting room.
- Writer
