Ximena

I ran nonstop for hours, Xena my wolf wasn’t weary as she ran and it was a big shock to me because I had never ran for up to an hour without being weak.

After crossing the borders of the Shadow pack, I was filled with fear. Lots of vile things lurked in the shadows and where I was heading to was unknown to me but Xena knew the way by heart. She was heading to grandmother.

“Grandmother… I…“ I whispered as I shifted in front of a house where my beautiful and young grandmother stood.

She looked like an angel and it was no secret that she never aged because of the strange powers she had.

The Shadow pack was a pack known for its ruthlessness, insane and deadly wolves. Most rogues come from the shadow pack and not everyone can enter the pack without turning feral.

“Ximena.” Her angelic voice made me feel warmth like no other and I nodded, tears of joy streaming down my face as I walked towards her, naked.

The house had an eerie feeling around it, it was bright, yet dark. She smiled at me as she opened her arms, welcoming me.

“Grandmother.” I whispered, biting my lips softly as the tears streamed down. This was our first encounter and how she managed to recognize me was nothing short of supernatural.

“I… I…“

“Shh, you don’t need to speak, child, I know why you’re here. Come with me.” She whispered and I felt my heart grow bigger, I was perplexed but my joy knew no bounds. I felt series of emotions

She led me into the large house where there were few staff working around and I was bothered. How could my grandmother be so rich yet my family was living on peanuts in the Armstrong Pack?

What happened between mother and grandmother that made mother hate her so much and warn us about her.

Mother said grandmother was a witch of a wolf and we never entertained conversation about her at home but why my wolf brought me to her gave me concern and I was afraid but happy to see her.

“This is your room, I prepared it before your arrival.” My mouth dropped. This room was bigger than our house but how did she know I was coming?

“How did you…“

“We are connected.” Grandmother replied and I raised a brow.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Go in and get dressed, you must be stressed. You should rest too.” She replied and walked away with a smile. With shaky legs, I walked inside.

I gasped with shock. “Xena, why did you bring me here? Grandmother is dangerous… She’s strange too…“ I whispered to Xena.

“She can help you, I didn’t bring you here, she called you here because you were hurt.” Xena replied and I gasped with shock.

Now mother’s words made sense, grandmother was a powerful witch and I was gripped with fear. “She would never hurt you. Don’t be scared.” Xena advised and I nodded because her words had never been wrong, except for when we got mated…

I pushed that thought out of my head, my heart was still in shreds but coming here must be to forget him and I’ll try my best to do just that.

I opened the bathroom and was shocked to see all sorts of soaps, this was the luxurious life I always prayed for and it gave me concern that I would be here alone while mother and father suffered in the Armstrong pack.

I needed to know why mother and grandmother are enemies, I must know why I was here too… Grandmother had answers to lots of things, maybe she could also answer why I was rejected by a man who swore to love me.

I sighed heavily as I grabbed the towel, heading into the bathroom. This was my first time in a bathtub, the feeling was crazy, it was filled with water and I had the most refreshing and relaxed bath ever in my life.

A long time passed before I got out and headed to the room. I saw a nice dress placed on the bed, it was brand new and a tear slipped out of my eyes, this was my first time wearing a new cloth.

All of my clothes were thrifted or hand-me-downs from the rich. I wore the dress and smiled at myself in the mirror.

I looked different, more beautiful, my eyes were different, they were empty, without sparks and I sighed heavily.

I wore slippers and walked out, staring around the house as I tried to find grandmother. I kept walking around, too intimidated and scared to ask anyone for help and my mouth dropped when I saw a portrait.

It was mother, she was smiling at grandmother, her eyes were sparkling, they were filled with joy, she looked young and beautiful, she had no wrinkles on her face.

“She was a very beautiful and cheerful soul.” Grandmother whispered and I almost jumped out of fright.

“I… I have a few questions.” I whispered softly. “Come with me, child.” Grandmother replied and I turned, following her to the place which seemed like the living room.

I saw countless portraits of mom and she looked gorgeous, young and very beautiful, it was almost hard for me to believe.

“Sit.”

“Grandmother… I… I want to know what happened between you and mother.” I whispered carefully. “Your mother left because she didn’t want me the powers I had to offer.” It seemed like there was more to it but she wasn’t ready to talk and I decided it was best to let it go.

“I… I…“ I broke into tears before I could say any word and she moved closer.

“Shhh.” She cajoled as she placed my head on her shoulder, my heart swelled with warmth.

“Why? Why did he reject me… He vowed to love his mate… Why would he just reject me? He rejected me in front of everyone at the market…lI whispered, desperately wanting answers as the rejection echoed in my head.

“It doesn’t matter why anymore, what matters now is you. What do you want? Say all you want, child and it’ll be done.” She muttered softly and I frowned, wondering what she was talking about.

“All you need to do is say the word, do you want him to love you? Do you want revenge? Do you want him to suffer? Should I make him go feral? Should he go crazy? Should I kill him?” She asked and I gasped.

“You… You can do that?” I asked, a part of me trying to figure out which option would be best as I weighed both the good and bad.

“And more child. Just name it, I can kill, manipulate, destroy and make him feral, it takes nothing to do it child.” She replied softly and I gasped, understanding why mother said grandmother was dangerous, she was more than just dangerous.

“No, don’t do it Ximena… Let the goddess fight for you, she will repay him for what he did.” Xena pleaded and a small smile appeared on my face.

“Vengeance is mine to decide, Xena.”

“Kill him, grandmother.” I whispered nervously, trying to balance my raging emotions.

Grandmother stared at me without a word, leaving me to make the decision myself and I nodded firmly.

“Yes, kill the Alpha, grandmother.” I replied sternly as bitterness spread across my heart, turning my fragile pure heart into a dark huge rock.

ALVARO

A YEAR LATER

“Alpha… The Luna is in labour!” Dhruv announced and I jumped to my feet, filled with worry as I darted to her room. It was too early!

“No, Alpha you can’t go in…”

“I must go in! I need to see HER!” I barked, filled with concern the moment I heard her loud cries. He’d be crazy to think I wouldn’t go in there.

I was fretting badly and her agonised sounds made my heart ache.

Dhruv held my hand tightly, refusing to let me inside and when I managed to push Dhruv away, the guards at the entrance stopped me from entering.

“Dhruv, I need to be there! She’s in there, suffering.” I muttered, feeling very scared and Dhruv sighed heavily, holding me tightly.

“Get a grip of yourself, Alpha. It’s wrong for you to be in there, I’m sure the Luna would be fine, please get yourself together.” Dhruv pleaded and the midwife dashed out.

“The Luna has refused to push until she sees the Alpha!” The midwife announced, sweating profusely as she glanced around for me, her worry making it difficult for her to concentrate on anything.

I pushed Dhruv out of the way as I dashed inside. My heart dropped as I saw her laying on the bed with her legs apart, she was naked and was covered in sweat.

Watching her there made me feel pity for her, for everything I’ve done, I regretted the kind of husband I had been to her.

My heart never belonged to her and I always treated her unfairly, putting everything before her but now I want to change for good. I don’t know if I’d be able to love her but I’m willing to try.

“I’m here, Luna.” I whispered as I fell to my knees, grabbing her hand immediately. I was sweating profusely too but I was concerned about her.

“Alpha… I don’t think I can do this…“ She whispered with tears and I shook his head.

“You’re the strongest woman I know, you can do it.”

I encouraged and she smiled faintly, finding comfort in my words.

“Push…“

“Argh!” She screamed as she pushed with all her might and I held on tightly, praying under my breath for the goddess to help her. Staring at her now, I realised how fragile she was and I called myself a big fool for not realizing earlier.

She was never happy in the marriage, she fulfilled her duty to her pack and I was very proud of her for that.

“You can do this Luna.” I whispered pleadingly and she smiled at me, panting heavily as her hand drifted to my face which she touched lightly.

I moved closer, allowing her more access to my face and she just smiled, staring at my dark, hollow eyes.

“I… I can’t…“ She whispered breathlessly and I kissed her hand, holding her tightly.

“You can… You would give birth to this baby and we would be a big family.” It was more of a plea than fact.

“I… I know you don’t love me because your heart belongs to your mate…“ She whispered and I shook my head, wondering why she was talking about a mate when her health was at stake.

“No… Let’s not talk about this now, you should be concerned about your health…“

“I’ve always loved you… Even before you chose me…“ She whispered and I smiled sadly. I hated myself because I couldn’t bring myself to say the same words to her.

“I’m not asking you to tell me the same… I forgive you, even if I try from now till an eternity, your heart belongs to her…“

“Please stop… I’m willing to be a better husband, I’m sorry for how I treated you…“ I pleaded, moved to tears and she shook her head, smiling through the sweat and pain.

“No… You don’t have to be… You tried your best to treat me well and I’m grateful for that… Our child… I want it to be named Juan or Joana…“

“Shhh… We would name it together, nothing is happening to you…“ I pleaded, swallowing the sadness in my throat.

She looked weary, tired and exhausted. Sweat was trickling down her body and it made me worried. “Please do something…“ I pleaded desperately and the midwife shook her head slightly.

“She’s losing blood, Alpha… She’s weak… This doesn’t look normal, she was poisoned…“ The midwife announced and I gasped, turning to her.

“Can’t we find a solution… Please save her… How did this happen?” I thundered, my fears were at the peak now as my eyes turned red.

“Please don’t…“

“Before I go, I want you to promise me something…“

“Get well and I promise you I’d give you my life” I was damn serious and she smiled softly, it was a beautiful smile and it brought water to my eyes.

“Alvaro, listen to me.” She gritted out and I nodded, the tears following freely now.

“This child must be trained with love… The love you couldn’t give me, please give it to this child, and this child must have a complete family, find your mate, you deserve happiness as much as this child deserves a mother. Only your mate can love this child the I’d love it…“

“No…“ I pleaded, my eyes already swollen as I sat on the floor sadly.

“Please, it’s either your mate or nobody… Please try to be happy…“

“I can’t be happy without you” I pleaded and she smiled, panting heavily with pain as she had a determined look on her face.

“Argh…“ Her scream rang out and was eventually overshadowed by that of a baby. The midwife had a smile on her face but my gaze was focused on My Luna who slowly drifted to death, a satisfied smile on her face even though she never touched her baby.

“Argh.” I cried out while Dhruv patted my back softly. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” He whispered as the midwives took the baby while they began dressing Luna.

“Please be strong.” I heard countless whispers but I felt deserted and disconnected from the world. My hollow heart was bleeding.

“Where is she! I want to see my daughter!” I heard the gamma thunder as he walked inside but I was too engrossed in my pain to listen to him.

“You killed her!” He accused me and I raised my head in disbelief, my eyes bloodshot. My lips were too heavy to move.

“You bastard! You killed her!” He yelled as he grabbed my collar, making me rise to my feet. I pushed his hand away furiously, I was too weak to fight or exchange words, all I wanted was space to mourn my Luna.

“You bastard! You don’t deserve to live! I’ll make sure you never regret this! Her child can never be with you!” He announced making everywhere go silent as I whipped my head up.

“What?” I asked, just to be sure I had heard right.

“The only way this child can be with you is if you marry Emiliano! Only Emiliano can take care of the child! You should never be beside the child!” He snarled.

Ximena

Six years later.

Walking out of the pack house, I smiled softly as I made my way to the house. I was now one of the most respected female warriors and I owed it to grandmother.

She had groomed me so well, it felt like I had killed my old self just to bring out this new person. The good in me had saved the Alpha eventually because I couldn’t stand seeing Xena in pain. He should forever be grateful for that.

Although I still regretted not killing him.

I wouldn’t be a monster like him and cause pain to Xena. Walking down the isolated path, I scented a different blood.

It was fresh, vibrant and completely different from the dark ones that lurked around in the pack and I stopped.

I turned around slowly, trying to figure out who was following me but I saw nothing and I turned around again. I took a few steps and concluded that something or someone was following me.

“Who are you… Show yourself before I kill you!” I barked harshly and to my shock, a little boy walked out of the bush, smiling softly with his gap teeth visible.

I staggered back with shock as I felt a current trickle up my chest. He looked too lively to be from this pack and I was convinced that he was lost.

“Who are you and what do you want?” I asked and he walked up to me with a bright smile, it was almost blinding.

“I followed you… I was fascinated with how you looked so I decided to follow you.” I was taken aback.

“Are you cr…“ I stopped myself from saying something harsh before this child and I sighed heavily, moving closer.

“Do you know how dangerous this place is? Are you ready to die? Do you know the kind of terrible creatures moving around?” I asked, concern evident in my voice.

“I have my dad to always protect me.” He replied and I almost scoffed. “Well where’s your dad now? If you get attacked, what’s the probability that he’ll save you?” I demanded and he fondled his fingers before raising his head up.

His bright blue eyes reminded me of the past but the past was gone and I would rather chop off my head than spend a minute trying to recall it.

“He’s not coming because I have you to save me.” He replied and I almost scoffed. This kid was audacious and too confident, it makes me wonder who his parents are.

“I’m Juan, my father and I are visiting and we are staying at the pack house.” I looked in the direction of the Pack house and at him twice.

He had to be kidding, not just anybody can come into the pack and moreover why would a parent endanger the life of their son by bringing him to such a dangerous place without adequate protection.

“So your dad let you roam around and stalk strangers?” I asked and he shook his head.

“He was busy in a meeting…“

“Oh, so he’s the busy type who doesn’t have time for you?” I frowned heavily, disliking his father without seeing him.

“I don’t have any friends, would you like to be my friend?” He asked, his eyes swelling with anticipation and for the first time in six years, I saw the soul of another person.

He was lonely and I was drawn in, I was curious about this child. I wanted to know what kind of awful parents were training such a great kid and why he had no friends.

These emotions were too much for a cold warrior like me. “I’ll take you back to the pack house.” I replied, trying my best not to expose my emotions and his eyes dimmed with disappointment.

“You should never run after strangers, no matter how nice they look.”

“My instincts are never wrong. I knew you’d be a good person.” He replied and I wished there was a more appropriate way to explain to this kid that life wasn’t a bed of roses. One minute there could be great promises and the next everything turns out to be a big, fucking lie.

“Follow me.” I whispered and to my shock, he slipped his hand into mine as we walked side by side, heading to the pack house.

I was confused, this kid looked very familiar, probably I knew his parents years ago. My heart had never trembled or skipped beats ever since I got rejected but for this tiny kid, I was anxious, nervous and amused.

A part of me wanted to keep him close for amusement. “Daddy is just too busy with work, I didn’t want to bother him.”

“Well next time, if you don’t want to bother him, don’t follow strangers. He must be worried sick if he’s a good father but if he’s not, he won’t notice you’re gone.

We entered the pack house with lots of guards bowing down to greet me and he was amazed. “What are you? You’ve got so many people respecting you and you’re not the Alpha.” He pointed out and I smiled.

“I’m a strong, merciless warrior who will kill you the next time you follow me.” I replied and he chuckled, he didn’t look fazed at all and I sighed, a sweet sensation of longing settling inside of me.

“Who is your father?” I finally asked as we got to the entrance and he smiled, I could see a hint of pride in his eyes at the mention of his father.

“He’s…“

“Oh my, where have you been? I was worried sick. Come with me. We’re leaving now.” He wasn’t allowed to talk before his nanny dragged him away.

It felt awkward and odd to be left standing alone, he wasn’t my friend but he should’ve been allowed to say goodbye before being dragged.

“Get your act together, he’s nothing but one of those rich brats, focus on something better.” Xena suggested and I nodded, shaking off the leftover of whatever crazy feeling was inside of me.

With my job done, I turned around, ready to start heading to the house when I heard heavy footsteps and a few guards walked past me, trying to get everybody out of the way.

“Step aside, the Alpha is coming.” They announced and I took two steps back, eagerly waiting for the Alpha to leave.

The air changed all of a sudden and I knew the Alpha was close, the aura was so powerful that I almost bared my neck but as a well trained warrior I could withstand the pressure.

Glancing at the guards who left in ones and twos, I patiently anticipated the arrival of the ballsy Alpha with enough gall to come to this pack.

My pulse increased instantly, the wild thump of my heartbeat pounding against my chest soon filled my ears as I waited but before I could glance at him, I felt a tap on my shoulder and instinctively I turned, a dull stinging sensation hitting me immediately a resounding slap landed on my cheek.