CHAPTER 3
THE GREAT ALPHA
~~~~~
After a long walk, they finally arrive at the motel.
"Finally, we're here."
"I'm going to take a bath. Do you wanna join?"
"No thanks, I need to go to the ATM and took some cash. Wanna something to eat?"
"Yes, anything you can find is fine."
Ben opens up his bag. He took out his wallet and went to the ATM to take out some cash. Then, he went to buy some food at the pub nearby. Ben walks back to the motel room, where he sees Mara cleaning her shotgun.
"They didn't take your gun?"
"Nope, I hide it under the bed," Mara answers, putting her shotgun into her bag.
"Here's some snack. Eat it before we leave this place. I need to buy some equipment."
Ben tossed the plastic full of snacks to the bed.
"Okay, I need to buy some shotgun shells too."
Ben puts his bag onto the pickup truck while Mara finishing her snack before cleaning up and puts her stuff into the pickup truck. Ben checks out from the motel and climbs to the driver seat.
"Where to?" Ben ask.
"I need to get some ammo. You know the place that sells ammo?" Mara asks back, looking to the road.
"I know one place, it's called The Eagle's Palace. My friend John sells firearms there."
"So what are we waiting for? Let's go there."
Ben nods. He drives to the Eagle's Palace, where his friend John is. It's a long drive from the motel.
"Ben, I need to ask you something."
"Go ahead. What do you want to ask."
"How could you recognize me back in the forest? While I'm still at the wolf form."
"Well... you know that you're the only person in this city that has a purple eye, and of course I recognize your voice. You're my best friend, or maybe more than that."
"Okay... one more thing. Do you think that our relationship is special?"
"Huh??? Are you asking me that I love you or not??"
"Uh... no, no... I mean... uh..."
"If you are, then the answer is yes."
"Umm..." she blushes.
"Ah, here we are."
They arrived at the Eagle's Palace. He pulls into the parking lot, gets off from the truck, and go inside the shop.
"Welcome, can I help you?"
"Hey John, how're you doing?."
"Oh, Ben! It's nice to see you again." John smiles at Ben, "So, what are you doing here?"
"I need some equipment. But first, I'd like to introduce someone. This is Mara, my..."
"Girlfriend," Mara replies.
Ben stares at Mara, "My girlfriend, yes."
"Nice to see you, Mara. So, what do you need?"
"Oh yes, I need that gun and some shotgun shells. Do you have it?"
"Sure, hold on a minute." John walks to the showcase.
Suddenly, Mara's phone rings.
"Ben, I need to answer this." Mara pulls out her phone.
"Okay, but be careful. I'll be waiting for you here."
Mara walks out of the shop and answers the call.
"Hello? who is this?"
"Hey, it's me, Sarah."
"Hey Sarah, what do you want?" Mara ask.
"I want to meet you, alone," Sarah replies.
"What? Why now? I won't leave Ben alone."
"I'm serious sis, we need to talk."
"Ugh... Fine, where?"
"The pond in the middle of the forest behind the shop, now."
"Are you serious? Like, now? Which shop?"
"Yes, now. The one that you're standing on."
"Really? It's safe there?"
"Yes, sis. Don't worry, it's safe. I'll guide you there."
"Alright then." Mara hangs up the phone.
Mara put the phone back. She peeks from the shop's window, She saw Ben still talking to John. Mara walks to the back of the shop and enters the forest.
"By the way, where is Mara?" John asks.
"I don't know, it has been a long time," Ben replies. "I'm going to check on her."
"Okay."
Ben walks out of the shop, he looks everywhere near the shop. But he didn't saw Mara anywhere.
"Mara? Where are you?"
Mara is not answering. He rings Mara, but Mara didn't answer. He walks back to the shop.
"Hey John, did you have a security camera?" Ben asks.
"Sure, why?"
"I need to see them. Mara is gone."
"Okay, follow me." John walks to the office.
Ben follows John to the office. In there, he sees many security cameras around the shop. John plays the video about 1 hour ago. He sees Mara on camera, right outside the building. Then, he sees Mara walks towards the forest and enters them.
"Oh no, why would she enter that forest."
"Why are you saying that?"
"Some believed that a pack of werewolves hanging around in that place."
"What? oh no." Ben says, "John, I need some equipment. Now!"
"Okay, hold on." John walks out of the office and bringing a cart of boxes.
"Here, I call this The Full Pack."
It contains a rifle with the attachments and ammo, a gun fully upgraded, some vest, medkits, painkillers, and all the stuff that Ben needs.
"Why did you need it, by the way? The werewolves won't hurt her. She's only a normal human being... Right?"
"Um... Let's just say that she had a little problem with them."
"Ah, that's why..."
"How much is it?"
"Well, if you're asking me, it costs so much. But today, I'll give you only for half of the price."
"Wow, that's low. Are you sure about it?"
"Take it or leave it. Your girlfriend needs you."
Ben smiles, "Okay then, I'll take it. And here is your money." Ben hand the money to John.
"Now go, she's waiting for you!"
Ben nods, putting his vest on and taking all the stuff he needs. He reloads his rifle and enters the forest.
"If you need me, just call me! I'll be there for you!" John shouts.
Ben walks through the entrance and walks into the forest. Mara walks towards the pond. She saw Sarah sitting on the side.
"Hey sis, how're you?"
"Hey, I'm fine. So, what happened?" Mara ask.
"I... just wanna talk about Lucas."
"What's about him?" Mara asks again, curiously.
"Um... He... Uhh..."
"Hello, Mara." A voice comes out from the bushes.
"Who is that!?"
A big, black wolf came out from the bushes.
"We've met again." The wolf approach. "Do you know who I am?"
"I... recognize that voice... You are... The Great Alpha... Right? The main leader of all packs in this country." Mara replies.
"Good, do you know why I'm here?" The Great Alpha asks.
"No... why?" Mara asks, looking at Sarah.
"Come and sit. Sarah will explain it all." The Great Alpha sits.
On the other side, Ben walks further into the forest until he sees a sign, says Pond. Ben follows the path and arrives at the pond. When he approaches it, he hears a voice. So, he decides to hide in the bushes. The Great Alpha hears him sneaking in the bushes.
"Wait, hold on." The Great Alpha paused.
Ben peeks, he sees Mara chatting with a woman and a big, black wolf. He recognizes the wolf.
"Ben... Come out now... I know you're there." The Great Alpha calls Ben, staring at the bushes.
Ben walks out from the bushes, holding his gun, and points it at the Great Alpha. Mara stands and runs towards Ben, hugging him tightly.
"Ben! What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here? It's not safe here."
"Don't worry, I'm okay. You can put the gun down. Oh yeah, remember my sister?"
"Sarah?" Ben asks. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you to Ben," Sarah says.
"And this is..."
"Is this... The Great Alpha? I've met her on the void."
"We meet again." The Great Alpha smiles, "So Sarah, would you like to continue? And Ben, mind to join us?"
Sarah nods and continuing her explanation. Ben sits next to Sarah, listening to the explain. Sarah starts explaining.
"So, we've already known that Zeus, our Alpha wants to rule all the packs in this country. And he will start with us. So we need to stop him immediately."
"We need to find his weak spot," Ben says.
"That's why we had Lucas. His job is to find the weak spot of Zeus." Sarah continues.
"And we both getting ready just in case if they're going to fight us." The Great Alpha replies.
"So, what are we going to do now?"
"Come, we'll show you something." The Great
Alpha stands and walks to the bushes. Ben and Mara follow The Great Alpha through the bushes. They saw a small camp with a dozen people. Most of them is werewolf, unchanged, good ones. The camp is located near the waterfall. Most of the buildings in that camp are tents.
"All people here are refugees from all over the country. They were a victim from Zeus's raid." The Great Alpha explains while walking into one of the tents. "You all can sit here. I'll change into my human form."
All of them sit around the table while The Great Alpha changes into her human form.
Ben and Mara stare at each other. And then they both stare at Sarah.
"Um... Hey, do you guys hungry?? I'll go and get some food," Sarah stands and walks out from the tent.
"So, what are we going to do?" Mara ask.
"First, answer my question. Why do you leave me without knowing me??" Ben asks, with a little bit angry.
"I... I..."
"Why Mara? Why didn't you tell me before you leave? I'll be calmer if you let me know first. You know that I was panicked when you suddenly disappear just like that!"
"I'm too scared!" Mara yells.
"What?!" Ben shocked.
"I'm scared! I'm so scared if I won't meet you again. I'm afraid that I lost you forever. I just can't do this without you. You're the only hope I can stand for. I can't do this alone." She starts crying.
"M... Mara..."
"What?!"
Ben walked to her, hugging her as she continued her cry.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry that I yelled at you. I'm just so stressed at that time. I didn't realize that I letting my girlfriend out of my sight. I almost realized that maybe I can't meet you anymore.
Even if you told me about it at the beginning, I will let you go under my supervision. I will always on your side, you don't have to worry that you can't meet me again. Even you far from me, I will be there for you." Ben smiles, wiping Mara's tears, "I really really loved you, as a brother and a boyfriend."
"Don't leave me alone ever again."
"I won't."
Mara raised her little finger, "Promise?"
Ben raised his little finger, twist it onto Mara's, and smiles, "Promise."
Mara quickly hugs Ben tight while smiling happily.
"*Sniff... Sniff...* Damn, that really makes me sad." Diana peeks from behind.
After a few minutes, Sarah back with some hot tea and biscuits.
"Hope you like tea time."
"Sure, why not." Mara smiles.
Ben pour some tea into his cup, so do Mara. After that, The Great Alpha comes to the table in her human form.
"So, from now on, you can call me Diana. Okay?" The Great Alpha says.
Ben and Mara nods.
"Good. It's getting dark. Why don't you both sleep now? Let's talk in the morning. Sarah will show you two your place tonight." Diana said while sipping her tea. "Good night."
They walk out of the tent and follow Sarah.
"So Sarah, how's life. I've never seen you since we split up in the woods when we were hunting last year." Mara says.
"Well, it has never been better. Just the same ever since. Especially when you left the pack. They got more courageous than before."
"I know, I just think that it's the right choice."
"Your choice is right, now we can move on with our life. Out from the pack." Sarah smiles.
"You're right. Luckily, I met Ben." Mara smiles back.
"And here we are." Sarah stops at a tent, not so big but looks comfy. "You two can sleep here."
"Okay sis, thanks for your help." Mara hugs Sarah.
"Your welcome." Sarah hugs Mara back. "I'll be checking on you in the morning. Good night."
"Good night."
Ben and Mara go inside the tent. Ben putting his equipment and lay down on the bed. Mara lay down next to Ben.
"I'm so lucky I met you. I wouldn't go this far if I never met you."
"Me too... I wish that we will never be separated again. Ben turns, kissing Mara on the forehead, and smiles.
"I agree. Let's go to sleep." Mara says, closing his eyes, "Good night Ben."
"Good night." Ben whisper, putting a pillow under Mara's head.
A few moments after that, Ben stands and walks out quietly. He sat at the rock near the tent, reaching his pocket, and took a photo of his mother.
"Hey, mom... I miss you... very much... Good news, I found Mara... she misses you too... I hope we can meet again... good night." he kisses the photo, putting it back into his pocket. He went back to the tent and went to sleep.
~~~~~
Morning rises. Ben wakes up, seeing Mara is still sleeping. He walks out of the tent, staring at the sun.
"Morning, where is Mara?" Sarah comes.
"She's still sleeping." Ben sits on the rock.
"So, I want to ask you something. Can I?" Sarah sits next to him.
"What do you want to ask?"
"I wonder, how do you two meet? I mean for the first time."
"The very first time or the first time for a while?"
"Both." Sarah replies, "I'm so curious."
"We've met for the first time in 1975, on a playground near Union City. At that time, Mara lived alone since her parents died in a plane crash. Mara used to live on that playground since she escapes her mean aunty. He has lived with me since then. But she left me when she was a teen. And I never meet her again until I met her in the forest near Union City three days ago." Ben explains, "I'm lucky that I met her. She's the best girl in my life. It's like, she is perfect for me."
"Well, you're lucky. Because when Mara joins the pack, all of the males in our pack tries to approach her. But none of them were brave enough."
"I am one lucky man."
"You better woke her up now. It's hard to wake her, you know?"
"Really? Okay. Diana won't accept late, would she?" Ben stand.
"Not so, but don't be too long. I'm going to wake Diana up. See you later." Sarah walks away.
"Yeah, see you later." Ben walks inside the tent.
"Rise and shine sleepy head." Ben shakes Mara gently. "The dawn is breaking already. We need to go and meet Diana."
Mara groans open her eyes as she sits on the bed.
"What? I wanna go back to sleep." Mara replies with her eyes still closed.
"Come on, Diana is waiting."
"Alright, alright, I'm coming." Mara stands and walks outside.
They walk to Diana's tent. They saw Diana sitting on a chair, drinking her tea.
"Ah, Good morning... Come, and sit here. Your breakfast is on the way." Diana says. "So, what are we going to talk about?" She asks.
"I was wondering, why did they call you The Great Alpha? I mean, Alpha is supposed to be a male, right?"
"Ah, so you didn't know yet."
Ben grins.
"Let me tell you the story. About 16 years ago, I married a man, a werewolf actually. Then, we had a son named Tony. And yes, he's a werewolf. We lived our lives happily with the pack," she paused for a moment, "But a few years later... Zeus launches an attack on our pack... At that time, my husband was the Alpha..." tears started to fill her eyes, "He tried to protect the pack... But, he got himself killed... We had no other choice than escape from that place... We run as far as we can, without looking to the back..."
"I'm back with the food," Sarah comes in.
"Shhh..." Ben whisper.
"What"
Mara points to Diana.
"Ooh... Sorry..." Sarah whisper.
"... I ran, carrying Tony in my back... I was not focused at all... I trip onto a log and fell into a deep hole... I fainted..." she wipes her tears.
"Tissue?" Ben handed her a tissue.
"Thanks," Diana grabs it.
"She had a sad background," Mara whispers.
"Yeah, she did."
"...When I was awake, they already brought me to some kind of infirmary... I sat on the bed for a long time until I realize... Where is Tony... I asked the infirmary guard... He just said, ' I'm sorry mam, but Tony wasn't there when we picked you up.'... That time, I just cried and cried... Thinking about them... I lost my husband and my son... I almost can't forgive myself... Until Lucas came and calmed me down..."
"This is the saddest thing I've ever heard," Sarah whisper.
"... One day after that, we came back to the camp to collect some resources that may be useable... I searched for the workroom where my husband used to work... And I found a letter inside the drawer... I was shocked when I knew that the letter was for me... It says,
'Dear Diana If you found this letter, that means I've already passed away. I just want to say I'm sorry, I'm sorry for every problem I caused, I'm sorry that I always come home late, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you.
Now, I gave you my power in leading the pack. I know that Alpha supposed to be a male, but why not? You're strong, brave, very wise, wiser than Lucas. You're the future of our pack.
Give this letter to Lucas, he knows what to do. One last thing, I love you, please take care of Tony for me, and make our pack powerful again. That's all from me, hope we can meet again someday. Your loving husband, The Great Alpha.' "
Ben and Mara stare at each other before staring at Sarah munching some cookies.
"... What?" Sarah confused.
"Nothing."
"And exactly that day, I was appointed as the new leader and get the title 'The Great Alpha' to replace my husbands' position."
"I'm sorry for your lost," Ben replies.
"Me too, it's a sad story," Mara says.
"It's fine... The time has passed... So, what are we going to talk about?"
"Mmm... this cookie tastes great."
"Sarah... Are you serious??"
"Hmph... Sorry. Well, I'm not sure, but it seems we need to talk about our defense incase Zeus tries to invade us. Last night, Lucas called me. He said that Zeus will try to attack us." Sarah say.
"That's a good idea."
"About defense huh? In that case, we need to make a barrier. I'll tell the boys to makes it. But what about guns?"
"I'll take care of that," Ben says.
Ben takes out his phone and calls John. John answer the call.
"Hey Ben, did you find Mara?"
"Yes."
"Good, now what do you need?"
"I need you to bring all equipment in your store, everything. Go inside the woods and meet me at the pond." Ben said.
"Go inside the forest? It... is safe there??" John asks again.
"100% safe, trust me. Oh, don't worry about payments. I'll take care of that later."
"Sounds good. I'll tell you when I ready. Now I have to prepare, see ya later." John hangs up the phone.
"Okay, the armory is done. What's next?"
"We have to warn the government. I know that this attack is going to be big." Sarah continues.
"Now that's what I'm going to do. I have a friend, she is the secretary of the government. Her name is Agnes, and I'm going to ring her." Mara replies.
Mara took out her phone and rang Agnes, but she didn't answer. She tried once more, but it still the same.
"She didn't answer. Maybe she's busy. I'll call her later."
"And then? Anything else wants to add?" Diana ask. "Wait, I want to ask you guys, this is very important. Mara first, if you need to change into a werewolf again, would you change?"
"If only necessary, I will." Mara answer.
"Ben, you've been bitten by a werewolf twice, and you even changed into a werewolf once. Would you change to a werewolf again?"
"Maybe, maybe not." Ben answer.
"Oh yeah, Mara. Can you teach all the men in this camp about the battle? So we all can participate in protecting our territory."
"Of course, I'd love to do that." Mara answer.
"Okay then, let's do this," Diana says, move her hand forward. Ben, Mara, and Sarah move theirs too and put them over each other's hands.
"For the name of life and freedom! We can do this!" Diana shout.
"Together!!" Everyone on that table shouts.
All of them start preparing. Ben went to the pond to meet John. Diana and Sarah preparing the strategy while making the walls and some spikes. Mara gathered all men in the camp and start teaching them for battle. The preparation takes a full-day work. After the walls and spikes are set up, Diana commands a quick meet.
"Good evening, how's the work today?"
"All the defense all has set up," Sarah said.
"The guns are ready," Ben replies.
"All the men are ready for battle," Mara says.
"Good, now we just wait for Lucas to call. Why don't we had dinner."
"Sure, why not," Ben says. "Oh yeah, I asked John to join us. And he says he wants to, can he join us?"
"Of course, more men means more defense."
"Okay, I'll tell him." Ben opens his phone and chats with John.
"And how about the government??" Sarah ask.
"I've called her. She says she's going to tell them about this." Mara answer.
"Good, so let's have dinner." Diana walks to the kitchen.
"I'll wait here with Mara."
"Okay then, I'll bring the dinner as soon as it ready." Sarah stands and walks away.
Sarah walks to the kitchen, leaving Mara and Ben alone.
"Hey, Mara... I have a confession."
"What's that?"
"Remember when I said that I didn't realize I just letting my girlfriend out from my sight?"
"Um... Yes, why?"
"I'm serious about that thing."
"Well, I'm serious too when we in John's gunshop," Mara replies, smiling.
"You do? I thought you were only thinking of me as just a close friend."
"No, I'm not like that. From the beginning, I realized that meeting you was like... a good thing. You're so brave and kind and a loving person. Besides, you're kinda cute too."
Ben smiles, so does Mara.
"I like you more than myself. I love you, Ben."
Mara pulls him and kisses Ben on the lips. An immeasurable joy rose in his head, making him unable to stop smiling. The kiss lasts for a minute before she releases her grip.
"I love you more than anyone I've met in my life. You're the only reason that I'm still here. You're the only person that knows my life inside out."
Ben blush, knowing that the girl that he loved loves him too.
"Ever since we met for the first time, I've already loved you. For years, I've been thinking so much. If I love her, did she loved me back? I was afraid if I confessed at the beginning, you didn't love me. I'm afraid that... I'm not your guy."
"You're not..."
"What?!"
"You're my men," Mara whispers in Ben's ear.
Ben hugs Mara tight. They both entered into a strong love bond. Sarah peeks from the outside of the tent.
"I've seen love, destroyed, and rebuilt. But this, this isn't just any love, this is the real true love... I'm happy for you, sis."
~~~~~
Continue Chapter 4, "Attack Of The Pack" ...