Chapter 11

"The dress looks perfect on you," the Alpha remarked, "I hope you don't mind me saying that I have amazing taste."  I chuckled a little. 

"You are too generous, Alpha. You have spoiled me." 

"I'd like all my guests to feel that way." I frowned, I didn't want to talk about all those other wolves fighting for his affection. 

"Your grandparents. They were... charming. An intriguing bunch, they carry much wisdom."

"Intriguing is the word for it alright. They'd be more charming if they stopped bickering all the time. If you can put up with them then you can put up with anything." 

"I imagine they all used to be very different wolves once."

"You would be correct. Grandfather Walter used to be the Alpha once, he's the one who can't speak,"

I nodded for him to continue. 

"His time was one of great unrest as I've heard it told. One day when he was out on a hunt with only a few of his closest warriors he was ambushed and surrounded by the enemy. He knew they would be able to fight them all off and that once he was taken care of they would take our fort where is Luna and son were. Knowing the only chance his pack had was if he could warn them of the danger approaching. He took a deep breath and let out a howl with every fiber of strength he had left. The most powerful howl this world has ever seen. It was of such virocity and desperation that the enemy saw their plan was ruined and just ran away. Victory was won that day, but the Alpha was never able  to make another sound."

"Wow, so it's not true that they're cursed. He gave everything he had for his pack, he saved us."

"Of course he saved us, but why does that mean he is not cursed." I thought about that for a moment as we began to approach my cabin. 

"There's one more thing I've wanted to ask you Alpha."

"Ask away, Elma"

"That companion you often keep," I struggled to find a way to describe him politely, "The tall dark haired man in royal dress" The Alpha's face fell a little and I worried this might be an off limits conversation. 

"Victor, or King Victor to you I suppose."

I was taken aback. A king? A king of what?

The Alpha continued "He is the king of the vampires. They're just in town... visiting, but I'd keep your distance if you can."

"I see, Thank you, I will. I was only curious," I wanted to laugh and brush the vampires off as just a silly trouble that comes along with politics. Instead I stood there on my doorstep feeling a little sheepish. The Alpha recovered his award winning smile.

"Don't worry your pretty little head on it. I'm keeping an eye on him for us, but for now I must leave you here. I hope to see you tonight at dinner in the mansion."

"You will, I can't wait," I said and waved as he departed but inside I felt like I might be sick. Vampires were on our pack land? I thought they usually kept their distance. I can't believe I let one of those corpses touch me. I needed a shower at once.

Not long later Dandilion returned from the challenge as I was stepping out of the shower. 

"Not kicked out of here just yet, are you? I told you, we're going to make it all the way." I said with a smile as I wrung out my hair.

"Well we're not all the way. We're probably not even halfway. Notice we haven't even had a one on one challenge with the Alpha. We don't know who he likes, they're just weeding out the wolves with bad character."

"Its a good thing we both have such great character. So cheerful and optimistic and bright and..."

Dandilion rolled her eyes and threw herself onto her bed. 

"C'mon get ready. We've got a very important dinner inside the royal mansion tonight!" I said filling with excitement. I wonder who would be missing, having failed the latest challenge. I had my fingers crossed that my cousin would be one of them.