Did I Fail As A Father

Raymond

I wouldn't necessarily describe my life as difficult, but it has been marked by a series of challenges that compelled me to take action for the well-being of my pack. When I became Alpha at the tender age of 20, it was under circumstances I could never have anticipated. Our pack had long enjoyed relative peace, but that tranquility was shattered one fateful night when we were viciously attacked by rogue wolves. In the chaos of the assault, my father, the former Alpha and our staunch protector, selflessly confronted the rogues to shield us from harm. His bravery was remarkable, yet the tragedy of his loss cast a long shadow over our lives.

At that time, our pack was heavily dependent on outside resources for our livelihood. We were vulnerable, struggling to maintain our way of life while relying on the generosity—or sometimes the indifference—of those around us. When my father fell, the weight of leadership thrust upon me felt overwhelming. I found myself at a painful crossroads, grappling with my grief while realizing I had to step up and lead our community through this tumultuous period.

In the solitude of those long, quiet nights, I sought solace and guidance from the Moon Goddess, pouring my heart out in prayer. Her wisdom and strength became my refuge as I navigated the complexities of grief and responsibility. Each moment of reflection steered me toward the resolve I desperately needed. I made a sacred vow, not only to honor my father’s memory but also to every member of our pack: I would do everything within my power to lead us out of darkness and towards a future filled with hope, strength, and prosperity. I envisioned a self-sufficient pack, no longer reliant on the whims of outside forces, where we could thrive together as a united family. This became my mission, a promise that fueled my journey forward.

To fulfill this promise, I immersed myself in financial strategies, investing in stocks that would not only provide immediate gains but also secure our long-term stability. Understanding the importance of self-sufficiency, I established a lumber company, recognizing the abundant resources our lands provided. This venture not only generated a steady income but also created jobs within the community, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among our pack members.

Furthermore, I sought to diversify our revenue streams to build resilience against future uncertainties. With that in mind, I founded a furniture company, which allowed us to utilize the timber from our lumber business while also tapping into a market eager for handcrafted, quality pieces. Each item we created told a story, connecting our pack's heritage with artistry, and this endeavor brought in valuable revenue while strengthening our communal bonds.

Through these persistent efforts, I began to witness a remarkable transformation in our lives. The pack’s financial stability improved significantly, providing a sense of security we had not felt in years. In the midst of this evolution, when I turned 24, I found my mate. Our union was not just a personal triumph; it further fortified our pack, bringing new energy and hope for the future.

Together, we envisioned a sustainable legacy that we could pass down to our successors, one built on the foundation of hard work, love, and the enduring spirit of our community. As I reflect on this journey, I feel immense gratitude for the wisdom of the Moon Goddess, who has guided me through this transformative period of our lives.

Two years after I was blessed to find my mate, Lilly, we were overjoyed to welcome our son, Brian, into the world. In the early days of parenthood, everything felt magical. However, as time passed, I began to notice a growing rift between Lilly and me. The weight of her responsibilities as Luna started to become evident; she struggled to embrace her role within the pack and seemed increasingly distant from our family duties. This strain took a toll on our relationship. Despite my efforts to communicate and rekindle our bond, Lilly ultimately made the painful decision to leave us, leaving me heartbroken and alone to raise our son.

Fast forward seventeen years, and life has taken on a different rhythm. Brian has grown into an unstable young man, full of false promises, but he has strength. I have remained steadfast in my choice not to take another mate. The pressure from my pack members is palpable; they often voice their concerns and encourage me to select a new Luna. Yet, I find myself hesitating. The she-wolves who approach me, eager for my attention, simply do not possess the qualities I believe a Luna must embody. I refuse to make a hasty decision merely to adhere to tradition or to satisfy the expectations of others. My heart and my pack deserve someone who can truly fulfill the role of a Luna, and until I find that, I will remain devoted to fixing my son's bad behavior and the pack we’ve built together.

One sunny afternoon, I decided to visit the pack hospital to see how the patients were doing. As I walked through the corridors, the familiar sounds of soft whispers and the gentle beeping of medical equipment greeted me. I made my way from room to room, taking a moment to pause and check in on each individual. It was important to me that my actions showed the members of my pack that their Alpha truly cares about their well-being and recovery.

As I spoke with the patients, I listened attentively to their stories, offering words of encouragement and comfort. Whether they were dealing with minor injuries or more serious ailments, I wanted each one to feel valued and supported. I believe that fostering a connection with everyone in the pack is vital, and it was my intention to make sure they knew they were not just numbers in a hospital, but cherished members of our community.

Witnessing their resilience and determination reminded me of the qualities I admire and aspire to in my future mate, who would eventually take on the role of Luna. It’s crucial that she embodies this spirit of compassion and dedication to our pack, just as I strive to do every day. I want her to understand that leadership is not just about power; it’s about nurturing and uplifting every single member of the pack, regardless of their circumstances or station.

Leaving out one of the patients' rooms, I noticed a young woman who radiated inner and outer beauty. She looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place her. After visiting all the other patients, I asked the head nurse about her. The nurse told me her name was Michelle Howard, a volunteer at the hospital who comes every week. Seeing her sparked a realization in me—I had thought my heart had grown cold, but Michelle's presence seemed to breathe new life into it, as if it had been missing an oxygen dose for years.

Once I received Michelle's name, I immediately remembered her as one of the top students in school. She always had a good head on her shoulders and was destined for outstanding achievements. After that day, I kept an eye on her, noticing how busy she was as a young woman. I planned to court her after she graduated from high school; however, I was surprised to learn that she was my son's fated mate. At that point, I completely backed off. After Michelle and Brian graduated from high school, it was a surprise to discover that Michelle hadn't moved into Brian's room, as they were now mates. Even more surprising was learning that she wasn't attending college with Brian but was working full-time instead. I decided to leave it alone because it wasn't my business, so I focused all my time on my duties.

Since I was keeping myself very busy, I didn't notice how much time had gone by. It had been over a year since Brian started college. I hoped that his college experience would help improve his behavior. Growing up, he didn't take Alpha training seriously, which is a significant issue because one day he will become my successor. I scolded him many times for using his Alpha station as a means to treat others unjustly. I always pray that Brian won’t turn out like his mother.

Today I woke up early to prepare for warrior training. However, the morning took a surprising turn. After dressing, I went to the kitchen for a glass of water and found a woman sleeping at the table—it was Michelle. I couldn't believe it. After waking her, I invited her to my office for a talk. She shared her feelings of hurt from recent rejection, but this also opened a new opportunity for me to court her, as I had planned before. Now that Michelle is nearing her 20th birthday, I see how much she has matured. I tried to comfort her and show her that I am here for her if she needs someone to confide in. Why would Brian reject his fated mate? And why would he cheat on Michelle to be with her sister? Looking at Brian, I realize he is heading down the wrong path. He will never be ready to lead this pack. I wonder—did I not give him enough attention growing up? Did I perhaps treat him unfairly? Have I failed him as a father?