CHAPTER TWO: SHADOWS OF A LONE-WOLF
737 Words
Shadows of a lone wolf
_Damon’s POV_
My whole body froze as I heard those words: YOU ARE MY MATE. How dare she? Lies, all lies.
I walked up to her- a frail being with such courage it was also endearing, I crouched to her level and asked
"What did you just say"? I demanded
"I..I said you're my mate" She stuttered in fear
The crowd murmured, questions rippling through the diverse assembly: alphas from allied packs like the iron-forged Highland Wolves, betas with lineages from across continents. Before I could act, a loud voice interrupted. The Lycan Jason, host of this event. He shot me a warning look not to mess it up and refocused the crowd, I was speechless at how easily he commanded authority. As heir to the Lycan throne, could I wield such power?
The opening speech ended, transitioning to entertainment: guests mingling, dancing, feasting on dishes from various pack cultures-spicy curries from southern territories, hearty stews from northern clans. Without distraction, I caught a glimpse of her; that frail girl. Our eyes met, I strolled over.
"Can I have this dance"?
She offered me her hand; I led her to the dance floor. As we danced, a strange aura enveloped me, one I’d never felt from another woman. Her scent drew me in-faded green eyes complimenting her raven long hair, full lips, pale skin with a subtle freckle pattern hinting at celtic pack roots . My wolf Akela, found her intriguing.
"So have you accepted I'm your mate or are you still in doubt?” She asked pouting her lips
"And what makes you so sure you're my mate huh?" I smirked.
"Unlike you, I've studied the signs: the pull, the scent. It all made sense when I saw you"
"Look, little girl, your parents should be looking for you by now. You're too young to worry about mates"
"Stop calling me that. I'm old enough to think for myself" She scoffed
“Take this as a warning yeah, the next time you pull a stunt like that, I won't hesitate. Today is your lucky day- run along, go find your parents"
Horror crossed her face; without a word, she ran off. Cute, but I don’t have time for juveniles. I preferred women I could command, not squirmy girls who challenged me.
Flashback:
I was ten, orphaned in a rival ambush from the crimson Fang Pack, their silver-laced weapons tearing through my parents during a border skirmish. Jason my Godfather, took me in, training me in the shadows of the mansion. Power is solitude, Damon. Mates weaken you, “he’d say. That shaped me into the lone wolf I was.
In no time I was summoned for a closing speech. Jason revealed his successor: me. Applause thundered; with a gesture, silence fell. I wasn’t fully listening-my mind wandered to my reign, fearful and powerful like Jason’s.
A sigh escaped as Jason urged me forward. I greeted the crowd, exuding authority just like Jason, keeping it brief. Jason concluded: “I Jason, Lycan of the Ember Moon Pack, announce Damon as my successor. He possesses my attributes and most especially has the interest of the Pack at heart.
Cheers erupted, but my heightened senses caught murmurs. A beta woman, Lily-her skin a rich mahogany from African pack descent, raised her hand
“Is not tradition to elect a new Lycan”? She asked
“With the Lycan alive, appointment is tradition. Election only if deceased” Jason explained.
Concentration was becoming hard for me because I noticed Akela my wolf kept moving my attention where two strange looking men with their foreign scent stood at the back, I heightened my senses to listen to what they were discussing
"Shoot to kill" A man told him over the phone
"Yes boss, we will do it now with the diversion” One of the strange men responded
Before I could alert my senses they pointed a gun loaded with silver bullets designed only for the purpose of eliminating the Lycan.
Unbeknownst to Jason as he was engrossed in his public speech his death has already been plotted, as I was still contemplating if I should protect him or rush over to ends the lives of those who worked for our rivals.
A gun shot was fired...but not at Jason
A sharp pain piercing through my abdomen
I looked over at Jason, and lost consciousness....
- Writer
