3: Death of an Alpha

 One week later

 *Jonas*

 I am out running with a couple of other guys when I pick up a cry for help over the pack's mind link. And instantly know it is my father. ‘Rogues …. Anyone … help.’

 ‘This way,’ Cana instantly tells the other wolves, and we turn, falling into formations as we speed through the forest towards the river.

 My heart is pumping, and cold flashes are running down our spine. As I have already pointed out, my father is not really my favorite person, but I wish no harm upon him, and I know how dangerous these rogues are. We need to get there fast.

 All I get from my father are incomprehensible words, jumbled emotions, and an overwhelming surprise I am not really understanding. Then silence.

 ‘Come on, Cana, faster,’ I urge my wolf on. Neither of us is among the biggest, but we are pretty fast.

 When we reach the river, I first see nothing, but then I see a sizable huddled form disappear, and we spot my father on the river bank. I run as fast as I can, changing almost in a fluent motion into my human form and kneeling by his side. 

 The empty eyes and torn throat tells me there is nothing to be done, but I still shake him. “Dad … wake up …DAD!”

 “I am sorry, Jonas,” I feel a hand on my shoulder. It is Kemen. “He is gone; there is nothing to be done.”

 I swallow. “I know …. But why?”

 Something … or more like someone comes crashing through the bushes, and out steps, the packs Beta Connor, looking ruffled and out of breath. “I saw him run, the damn rogue they call their King; I tried to catch him, but … they are like ghosts.”

 “Why didn’t you help him ? Why didn’t you help your Alpha,” I get up, staring at him.

 “I was too late, just like you,” He shakes his head. “I came from the other side at the same time as you; I realized I could do nothing and tried to catch the rogue.”

 I swallow again. “I know the rogues are … unpredictable, but why would he kill dad?”

 “Who knows … Maybe he has somehow heard the packs want to get rid of the rogues; they are becoming a problem,” The Beta shrugs.

 Straightening my back I look around. “We need to get him back to the pack house, and then we need to report this to the other packs. These rogues need to be handled.”

 While this is not something I enjoy handling. Getting my father back, comforting my mom and sister, delegating what needs to be done, and calling the other pack to make plans for a new meeting regarding the rogues. While handling it something kinda grows inside me, a resolve, a sense of responsibility, and people automatically start calling me Alpha Jonas.

 To be honest, I had expected people, at least some of the seasoned fighters and other high-level members of the pack, to question whether I was ready to lead them. But no one does. I do get some looks now and again, but it is like no one dares to be the first to say something.

 And I do my best to rise to my duty and be a good and fair leader. For now I don't make any changes in the pack structure. Firstly I think we all need to get used to my father not being here, and as he died relatively young, no one is really near retirement age, not even for werewolves.

 The alphas and other high ranking members of the other packs attend the funeral, and while some do look at me a little funny when I am introduced as the new Alpha, at least they all treat me with respect face to face.

 A meeting regarding the rogues is scheduled for next week. We have to do something about these savages.

 *Typhon*

 I am pacing the floor in the big cave we use as a kinda common room, and where a couple of the others have found it funny to build me a throne, telling me a King needs a throne.

 “What is it, Cerberus ?” My best warrior Fire Moon asks. “You look agitated.”

 Cerberus is actually my wolf, but most of the pack calls me that most of the time.

 “Oh do I ?” I turn, raising an eyebrow at her. “The packs are planning to wipe us out over some dead Alpha; I should, of course, be totally relaxed.”

 “Of course not, but what can they do ? Do you really think they dare attack us ?” She bites her lip, looking at me.

 I throw out my hands. “If they work together, you think we stand a chance? We are not that many after all.”

 “So … what are we gonna do ?” She asks. “Knowing you we are not gonna just sit here and wait for them to come for us”.

 “And you know me …”. I mumble, feeling my wolf chuckling. “We could always run … find a new place to live…” 

 Fire moon rolls her eyes. “You just admitted that I know you, so I also know you would never run.”

 I laugh and walk over to throw myself on the throne, leaning back nonchalantly and throwing one leg over the armrest. “You are right, of course, but how do we protect ourselves ?”

 “Hmm, yeah,” She looks thoughtful for a moment. “Well what if we had something of theirs ? Something they do not want to risk getting hurt ?”

 I pull down my leg and lean forward, looking at her. “I'm listening.”