As the darkness settled in, the forest air became colder, and Mikhail did not move. The previous talk with Susan still floated around in his head. Her words had unsettled him, but he pushed the thoughts aside as the sound of footsteps broke the silence.
Mikhail sharply swiveled his back and sides, his claws remaining out, crouched and ready to engage. But it wasn't an enemy that stepped through the thick trees-it was him.
The Alpha.
Mikhail's older brother emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding and unmistakable. His towering frame seemed to absorb the moonlight, and his golden eyes glowed with a piercing intensity.
What are you doing on the edge of the facility out here?," the Alpha said, his voice cool but firm, leaving no chance for contradiction.
Mikhail lowered his claws but didn't relax. "Thinking."
The Alpha gave him a "that's a load of.", expression that he thought for a second. Just then a second set of footsteps proceeded, sturdier and more purposeful. Their father.
Mikhail's chest tightened as the older man appeared, his weathered face marked with scars from battles long past. Behind him came the elders, their presence somber and purposeful.
"Is this how you greet your family? Their father asked, his deep voice carrying a mix of reproach and weariness.
"I wasn't expecting company, Mikhail replied, keeping his tone even.
The Alpha walked on and made closer, his eyes fixated on his brother and scrutinizing him. "You've been keeping busy, haven't you?"
Mikhail stared straight ahead without wavering despite his brother's piercing examination. "I do what's necessary."
"Necessary," their father repeated, his tone unreadable. He made eye contact with the Alpha and then directed towards the forward clearing. "Let's get settled. We have much to discuss."
Mikhail's stomach twisted at the words, but he nodded and led the group toward the camp.
At the center was a fire pit and beneath it, flickering shadows crossed the trees around, and the heat was a comfort against the cold. The elders settled first, their expressions calm but unreadable. The Alpha sat down on the right side of their father, his broad back filling all the available space while Mikhail just stood by, arms crossed and poised in the midst of an ambush.
"You could sit, " the Alpha said, his voice low but pointed.
"I'm fine," Mikhail replied, his tone clipped.
The Alpha shrugged, leaning back against the log. "Suit yourself."
The tension in the air was thick, and Mikhail could feel the weight of the elders' eyes on him. They were judging him, as they always did. Whatever successes he achieved, he was never good enough for them. Not compared to his brother.
Their father broke the silence. "It's been a long time since we've all been in the same place. Too long."
"Whose fault is that? Mikhail muttered under his breath, earning a sharp look from the Alpha.
Keep your traps shut," the Alpha said, his voice a menacing whisper.
"Enough," their father said, his tone brooking no argument. "We didn't come here to fight."
Mikhail clenched his jaw, biting back a retort.
An elder, a man of silver hair and luminous blue gaze, moved closer. "The pack has been through much these past moons. It's a blessing to see the bloodline together again."
Mikhail resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The old ones always spoke like enigmas, and never understood each word but what hidden truth each contained.
Why is this family reunion happening all of a sudden? Mikhail inquired, his temper fraying.
Their father fixed him with a steady gaze. "There is."
Mikhail waited for him to elaborate, but the old man said nothing more. The Alpha's face was expressionless, yet there was a spark in his eyes that disturbed Mikhail.
But how come we don't get to the core? Mikhail asked.
Eventually, anyway," the Alpha replied, without a trace of emotion in his voice. "For now, let's just enjoy the calm. It might not last long."
Mikhail's fists clenched at his sides. The calm? Since when did his brother care about calm? The Alpha thrived in chaos, in battle, in proving his strength to everyone who dared to challenge him.
One of the elders spoke up, breaking the silence. "Mikhail, your reputation precedes you. Your recent victories have not gone unnoticed."
Mikhail's gaze darted to the elder, surprised by the praise. "I was just doing my duty."
"Duty or not, another elder said, his voice rough with age, "you've brought honor to the pack. Your father must be proud."
Mikhail's gaze shifted to his father, but the old man's expression remained unreadable. Proud? That word had never been directed at him before, and it didn't feel genuine now.
"I do what's necessary, " Mikhail repeated, his voice quieter this time.
The Alpha made a soft chuckle, which hurt Mikhail's nerves. "Always so serious, little brother."
Mikhail glared at him. "Not all of us can afford to be carefree."
The Alpha's smirk faded, and for a moment, the two brothers locked eyes, the tension between them palpable.
Their father cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Enough. We didn't come here to dredge up old grievances."
"Then why are you here? Mikhail asked, unable to hide his frustration.
Their father got up, his broad shape created a long shadow over the camp. "We'll discuss that in the morning. For now, rest. You'll need it."
Mikhail's heart sank at the cryptic response, but he knew better than to push further. The old folks grunted to each other, their tongues loose, elusive, and inaudible.
When the Alpha unfolded and reached for him, he gave Mikhail a knowing glance. "Get some sleep, little brother. Tomorrow's going to be... enlightening."
Mikhail's chest tightened, his mind racing with possibilities. What could it be, that brought his brother, their father, and the wise men out all the way here?
As the group settled into the camp, the firelight casting eerie shadows on their faces, Mikhail couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was coming would change everything.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt a twinge of fear.