The Missing Queen Alpha

The Time Has Come

~~October 6, 2007~~

"RAIN!"I awoke grudgingly from my sleep upon hearing Sira shout my name.

I snap fulling awake remembering I forgot to clean up from my midnight run and supper.

"Well, s**t " I grumbled to myself as I willed myself to leave the warmth of my bed.

I rolled off the bed and headed to the bathroom; stopping by my dresser to turn on my radio. I quickly alleviate my screaming bladder and head to the sink to wash my hands. I stare at my reflection in the mirror; my mangled hair the result of a hard sleep. I jump in for a quick shower to wash the night away. Once done I towel off I wrap the towel around me and brush my teeth and hair. Just as I finished  taming my hair into some semblance of order; my music was abruptly shut off.

"Rain! " screamed Sira once again as I opened the bathroom door.

Walking out the bathroom wearing my towel I sweetly answered " Ma'am?" acting completely innocent of any wrong doings.

Sira narrowed her eyes at me and with a calm tone replied " Get your butt downstairs and clean up your mess. You know better than to leave a mess like that".

Knowing I better acknowledge my mistake I looked down at my feet and answered with a simple " Yes Ma'am" as I walked into my closet to get dressed.

" Look I know you're upset about having to leave this place, but just know It is only for your own safety and well being." Sira told me; she sounded so down as she gently shut the door leaving me in my thoughts.

        If only she would talk to me and tell me why we only spend 3 months at a place; I wouldn't be so reluctant to continuously move on. I really like this place.... I could run for days out in the woods and never get tired of them. It was just so peaceful. Pulling out of my thoughts I finishing getting ready for the day and head downstairs to clean up.

    Twenty minutes later the kitchen all cleaned; I wiped my hands of my jeans and decided to make Sira and myself some coffee. Coffee brewed I walked out onto the porch both cups in hand. " Here ya go " I stated with a smile handing Sira one of the cups.

"One cup of coffee with two spoons of sugar and just a dash of milk. Just how ya like it."

Sira took the cup and smiled back at me. " Thank you, Rain"

Sitting down beside her; we just sit and take in the clear crisp morning.

"Rain...." Sira turned and her words drifted away. Her brow furrowed as if she is torn to continue or not.

Concerned at what I could of done I responded " What's up?"

Pausing she shook her head " Never mind, its' nothing".

I brushed it off as today was not a day to be bothered. I turn fifteen and Sira promised me a trip to town. Oh no what if she is planning on cancelling the trip?

Alarmed I turned to Sira and asked hesitantly "Are we still going to town?"

Sira turned to me snapping out of her dazed. She smiled at me "Of course; we are still going. I promised we would and so we are. So, go get ready to head to town it is about an hour away."

Giddy with the news that the plans are still a go; I jump up off the swing almost spilling my coffee in the process. Running into the kitchen I set my cup in the sink and ran upstairs.

~Sira~

Watching Rain run inside so excited to finally go into town; I wondered if I was making a mistake.

"No, she needs to experience a little of the world. What kind of life is living in fear constantly on the run?" asked my wolf Melony.

"I know but I can't help but feel like we are making a mistake." I worried back to her.

"We will be super vigilant. Rain is like our own daughter. Besides, we leave this hideout in two days." Melony said protectively.

I blocked Melony out, because as much as she may feel like our own daughter she is way more special. As her beta we owe her our lives and guidance. Maybe I will tell her today.....

~Rain~

"uuuhhhh….none of this is good to go into town. I have nothing to wear!" I yelled.

Pacing the floor of my closet I have looked through the entire thing 5 times and found nothing to wear.

At that moment a knock on my door. "Come in" I groaned knowing it was time to go and I didn't have anything that screamed Hi I am totally not a loner. Please be my friend.

Sira walked in with her hands behind her back. She had a mischievous grin on her face.

"Happy Birthday Rain" She said as she handed me a clothing box.

Excitedly, I ripped into the box and seen a new teal knee length dress, jacket, and a pair of flats. Jumping up and down; I ran to Sira and gave her a big hug.

"Its' perfect!" I stated while grabbing my new outfit and running into the bathroom to change.

I changed quickly and come out doing a quick fashion turn.

Sira smiled and said "Come on. Let's go." 

The ride took what seemed like forever but I knew it was just my nerves. By time we got to the outskirts of the town the sun was going down and everything was bathed in a bright orange glow. It was beautiful. My eyes were moving from one side to the other soaking everything in as we drove. It took me a moment to realize we were stopped in front of a tall building.

"We're here!" Sira said excitedly. Unbuckling I followed Sira inside wondering where exactly was here.

As, we opened the door the amazing smell of popcorn hit my nose. Sira turned back to me as I walked in.

"Are we watching a movie?????" I squealed quietly to avoid the looks of people around us.

Smiling Sira said "Yes, one movie and then we are gonna go eat at the diner down the road."

We stood in line and got our tickets. Then, we stood in line and got drinks and popcorn.

"On to the movie" I stated in my best adventurer voice pointing to the double doors that led to the big screen.

We went and picked seats. My eyes stayed glued to the screen the entire movie. It was a comedy about this man dressing as a nanny to see his kids. I laughed so hard I cried. The movie was over too soon for me.

Walking out the theatre, Sira and I laughed and talked about the movie all the way to the diner. Taking our seat; a waitress walks over and gives us our menus. I looked to Sira for help.

"Order what sounds good. Don't worry about it Rain" Sira said seeing the panic on my face at this new experience.

Looking at the menu the blueberry waffle sounds good but so does the burger. Dare I ask for both. 

A little voice in the back of my mind surprised me by saying " You never know until you ask" and then there was silence. 

Looking at Sira shyly I asked "Can I get the waffle and the burger?"

Sira looked up from the menu and smiled at me. "Order what you want. It's your birthday!"

When the waitress came back I ordered my burger and my waffle. Sira ordered a burger too. 

While we waited for our food we discussed the movie more. "Can we ever do this again?" I asked Sira.

Sira froze "Well, we will have to see. This was fun and I enjoyed seeing you genuinely happy" she replied thoughtfully.

Our waitress brought our food and we ate in silence enjoying the treat. All filled up; Sira went to pay and get our drinks to go. I waited by the door lost in thought staring out the window. 

Why can't we do this more often? Sira is always so cautious on staying out of sight and away from people. I don't understand what happened to make her like this. I may ask her tonight on the ride home.....

A tap on my shoulder pulls me from my thoughts. Its' Sira holding out my to go drink. We leave the diner and head to the truck. Pulling away from town I turn and watch as it fades out of sight. 

When I can't see it anymore I turn to Sira and ask "Why can't we do this more often?"

Sira looks at me and snaps "Its' too dangerous to be exposed too much. You never know who is where and when." With that answer she turns back to the road and I turned to look out the window.

What danger are we always supposed to be watching for? Why is going to town exposing us? And to who is it exposing us to? So many questions but I know from previous years that I would not get answers even if I asked.

I just look out the window the rest of the drive.

The truck jerked to a stop at the beginning of the driveway. I jumped startled by the sudden motion. I had not meant to fall asleep. I turned to ask Sira what was going on only to find her completely tensed up and just staring at the house. I turned to look at the house and I don't see anything.

"What are you waiting for? What is wrong?" I asked in a whisper.

Out of nowhere I heard a howl coming from the direction of the house. All of a sudden the truck is driving backwards and speeding away from the house. Sira whipped the truck around and headed back towards town.

I screamed "What is going on!?!?!" 

Sira turned to me. "You remember the details of our next safehouse?" 

"Yes, you only make me tell you every morning since I could remember." I said scared now. "Sira, you're scaring me. Tell me what is happening."

"I will when we get to safety. I promise. It is definitely time for you to know what we are facing." She replied franticly while looking in the mirror.

I turned only to see the road and darkness. I don't know what spooked Sira but honestly I didn't want to know either. We drove nonstop until we reached the next safe house.

"Go inside Rain" Sira put the truck in park.

I grabbed my go bag out the back seat of the truck. I know its all I got of my stuff, because I left everything at the house we just sped away from.

Every time we go to a new place I go inside and Sira drives away. She stays gone for about two hours before I hear the truck pull up. However, she always tells me to not come out until I hear the horn code for its' safe. If I don't hear it; I'm to go to the door that is always beside the fire place and escape to the next safe house. Three months and then move. Repeat and repeat.

I pick up my bag from the floor; my mind rambling as I stare at the truck. I hold my breath why has she not signalled? Is everything ok? How long do I wait for the signal? Still not signal; I start to shake and back up to the door by the fireplace. As I reach for the handle the lights turn off on the truck. Quickly without thinking I fling the door open step inside and close it shut. Backing away from the door the seal completely disappears. Fearing the door will be discovered on the other side I make my way down the tunnel ; not knowing what was happening. 

The tunnel is completely quiet and dark. I use may hands to feel the way down. After walking for a while I come to an end; pushing on the door it gives a little but is so heavy. I try it again it moves a little bit more until it finally opens up. I crawl out the tunnel into what seems to be a garage. I look around and see there is a truck. Walking to the truck; I check the door surprised to find it unlocked. I closed the door and looked around for a light to get a better grip of my surroundings. Finding the light switch I turned it on and was shocked by what was revealed. The truck, racks and racks of food, duffle bags, and a box. Curiosity getting me I start with the box beings it is closest to me. 

Opening the box a note is on the top. It is address to Lillian or Sira. Lillian was my mother's name. I know she left me in Sira's care because she trusted her. They were best friends, and shared many memories from all the stories Sira told me about my mother and my father. She never told me what happened just that the had died in an accident that took our home.

"Well, it has Sira's name but she isn't here" I said to myself. I can feel the sting of tears coming to my eyes. I may never see her again and I don't even know what or who we were running from. So, hoping the letter held some answers ….I opened it. 

Dear Lillian or Sira,

    I hope you never have to read this letter, but if you are there is nowhere left to hide after this. In three months this location will no longer be safe, but it is the last place I could get set up. Things got too dangerous and I didn't want to have the possibility of the safe houses to get compromised. There is supplies and money to live after this place in non-safehouse locations for years. By the time this safe house is used, whatever reason they were used to start with hopefully will be over. In this box is also a map leading back to the pack lands; just in case you need them. The map shows pack boundaries as of the date on this letter. I know it may be out of date, but I need to give every possible leg up to you as I can. Please my dearest Lillian, if you are reading this, know how much I love you and will never regret any part of our lives together. 

Sira, if it is you who is reading, Thank you for all of your service to our family. Please take everything you need and live out your life knowing you did everything ever expected out of you. I sincerely appreciate all you have done and no doubt will do.

                                                                                                With all my respects,

                                                                                                                King Alpha Luke

My father wrote this letter, but what is an Alpha? And KING? What has Sira kept from me?

Deep in my thoughts; I didn't hear the sound of a vehicle. I was too wrapped up with the turmoil of what all happened today, and what is still didn't know.

All of a sudden, I hear the horn. 

BEEEEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEEEEP, BEEEEEEP, BEEP

I turned to find the door, and I run out of it to see Sira sitting in the driver side seat. She had blood running out her nose and her face looked bruised. I waited by the door as she made her way inside. Closing the door behind us I ran and grabbed a bottle of water off of the shelf as she slumped down on a couch I had overlooked initially. Rushing over to her a million questions came to my mind but only one came out.

"What the hell was all that?" I asked.

With only a slight pause Sira said "We need to talk. I know you don't understand why we keep moving. However, after today I definitely think it's time you knew the whole truth."