The pack
The charcoal black night sky was breathtaking, as the full moonlight was even more radiant than usual, lighting up the sky through darkness.
I stare up at the sky, listening to the howling of my brothers, my pack members, the wolves' lives I am responsible for.
"Alpha Yona," says Chhaya. She looks at the ground, not making eye contact with me as she speaks. She is so shy and quiet. It was obvious that she lacked self-confidence, something I tried to instill in all the members of my pack.
Getting up from the log I was resting on, I stand and walk so we are face-to-face. As I gaze into her eyes, I lift her face with my hand. She jumped as a result of my motion.
"Eye contact when we speak adageyudi (love). I move the long brown hair from her face. She gazes at me, and despite her tan skin, I can see her cheeks starting to flush, turning a shade of red.
"Sorry Alpha," she quietly says, barely meeting my firm eye contact.
"What did you need?"
"Waya and Atohi are fighting again." Smiling, I tried to cover my laugh. Having a pack with young hot-headed males is pretty entertaining.
Their behavior makes Chhaya feel comfortable. This all-male pack wasn't the best place for her. When she phased, I couldn't turn her down and send her away. Truth be told, we needed the extra pack member.
"Chhaya, why do you go get some rest?" Her soft skin warms my hand as I touch her chain. She smiles.
I hear the leaves crunch beneath my feet as I make my way towards the boys. It was obvious they were both very heated.
"Damn it, knock it off." I hiss the words letting my annoyance escape my lips.
"Waya and I will never get along," growls Atohi.
I couldn't help the eye roll that escaped. " You better learn how."
"Atohi it won't be easy but you're going to have to pick a side." Looking at his eyes I try to get a glimpse of his soul. I know it's going to be a tough choice for him. I know he loves the pack, but I also know he loves her.
Who is she, you ask? I struggle to figure out why he would fall for her even though he's claiming she is his mate. Demons. They are hideous. Burnt flesh covers their faces, and their eyes are red like blood.
"You have no idea what this is like for me," Atohi says as I hear the distress in his voice.
"I do. But the demons are natural enemies. I can't allow you to be with one."
"I already told you she's my mate," he yells, his face turns red and his body shakes violently.
I nod. "And I've already granted you permission to leave the pack."
"Why not except one demon?" He glares at me wiping a sweat from his forehead.
"Because it's unnatural."
Laying in the grass, I stare at the sky. I have no idea how I'm going to lead this pack. I have one very shy girl who barely talks or makes eye contact with me. Atohi who's in love with the demon, the very creature we're supposed to destroy. And Waya who is very much likely to challenge my authority over the pack. It's going to be a struggle, a real battle to manage this group of werewolves. Yet, I am the rightful Alpha. It has been my destiny since I was a little boy. I was destined to lead, born already knowing my purpose in life and path.