CHOSEN ALPHA

YEAR 1521

A woman sat on a wooden rocking chair facing the window. She sighed softly as she admired the beauty of the full moon and the feel of the night breeze. Her dark curly hair swayed in interval in rhythm to the movement of the breeze. In her arms was a tiny bundle wrapped in soft linen which she rocked gently at intervals. She glanced down at it as it began to squirm. She parted the top of the linen to reveal tiny eyes staring back at her in mild curiosity.

“Little one.” She cooed, a smile crossing her pink lips. “Why aren’t you in slumber yet?”

The infant made a babbling noise as if to answer her question and wrapped it’s tiny fingers around her outstretched index one. She giggled in return and resumed rocking the little one gently. The light from the fire place began to dim a bit and she cocked her head around to stare at it. A sigh escaped her lips. They would need to get more wood later.

Just then, her nose caught a familiar scent and she smiled towards the door. Soon enough faint footsteps could be heard in the distance. She glanced down at the baby as the footsteps got nearer. The baby’s eyes were now fully active as if waiting for the arrival too.

“He is here, little one.” The woman smiled gently.

The door opened and a man stepped in. She stared at him curiously as he stepped into the light. His large toned body slightly exposed by the bear skin garment he wore, was covered in battle scars that had faded over the years. But they did nothing to hinder his attractiveness. Black shaggy hair stood atop his head with some bangs nearly covering his sharp grey eyes and thick facial hair surrounding his jaw line. She detected his quick breathing as he stepped towards her.

“ Hello, Amara.” He greeted, bending downwards and placing a kiss on her temple.

“ Welcome, Lucas.” She smiled. “How was the meeting?” .

“It seemed to take away every ounce of strength from my body.” He smiled tiredly. “The bickering within the pack is getting out of hand day by day. The water by the brook has nearly run dry and the only one closer as at the border between our territory and that of grey wood’s.”

He paused and tickled the infant. He smiled as the young one let out a tiny laugh.

“So how is our future Alpha?” He asked as the infant grabbed his finger and babbled.

“Restless.” Amara chuckled. “I presume he must be waiting for news on the meeting too. He has barely slept today.”

“Is that so?” Lucas chuckled deeply. “Well, I have set up another meeting with the Alpha of grey wood in two weeks. We will discuss how to handle the issue of the brook by the border of our territories. The last thing I desire is disunity between our packs. The constant bickering within my pack is more than enough trouble.”

Amara nodded. “Where is Kraven?”

“I sent him on patrol with a handful of our packs. He should return in a while.” Lucas pulled away from the baby who seemed to be falling asleep.

He stared at the fireplace. The fire was nearly out.

“We will need more firewood.” He said.

“I was about to suggest the same thing to you.” Amara said.

The both of them paused and sniffed, detecting a scent.

“What brings her here by this hour?” Lucas wondered as he faced the door.

“That is not the only thing of concern.” Amara said, following his gaze. “I perceive something about her. Anxiety….”

“…And fear.” Lucas narrowed his eyes.

The door burst open and a woman the same age with Amara quickly stepped inside. Her red hair was disheveled and her green eyes were filled with worry.

“Alpha Lucas. Luna Amara.” She gasped out of breath.

“Easy, Tabitha.” Lucas raised his hand to calm her down. “What brings you here from the coven?”

Amara stood up with the now sleeping infant in her arms.

“I have bad news, Alpha Lucas.” Tabitha spoke quickly. “It is Dominic. He… He…”

“Steady yourself, Tabitha.” Amara walked gently towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “What did Dominic do?”

“He has broken the pact!” Tabitha said frantically. “He has taken a human’s life.”

Lucas and Amara recoiled in shock.

“No.” Lucas growled. “He would not do that. That is against the rule that has kept the peace between the species. The one sacred rule. Humans are not to be harmed!”

“Tabitha.” Amara said, her voice filled with worry. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Luna.” Tabitha replied. “You have known me well since we were children. I would never lie to you.”

“I can not believe this.” Amara gasped.

“That is not the only problem.” Tabitha said. “I’m afraid there is another problem. Dominic is making his way towards this place as we speak.”

“And why would he want to do that?” Lucas narrowed his eyes.