CHAPTER 0005

CHAPTER 5

Central Forest, Waterberg

Zion

I was in the library, as usual, looking through different books in the hopes of finding one that would help me free my people. If I die without a successor, there will be nothing left of us. It has been years, and nothing has happened; not even the prophecy has been fulfilled.

I looked for another book that appeared to contain a solution, but I did not have time to read it before hearing the wolves cry and shout.

“Alpha! "It has occurred," I heard my Beta remark as he dashed inside, while I glanced at him perplexed.

“What happened?" I replied.

"The gold and black half-moon is outside," he remarked, and I leaped out of my chair to look for myself.

"I can not believe this right now," I said, surprised and delighted.

“We're about to be free, yes!" I heard the wolves cheering.

“Does that mean—"

"I need to go locate Jordan," I cut my Beta off as my brother anticipated what would come next.

I raced into his room and found him staring at the half-golden, half-black moon.

"Jordan, you are here," I replied, standing not far from him.

"Yes, I knew you would come."

“So what should I do next? Should I go find her or —"

"There is no need; she is already here," Jordan said, and I could not believe our resurrection was here.

I returned to my bed and attempted to sleep but couldn't. All I wanted to see was Bruno informing me she had arrived, but instead, he informed me Catherine had brought a rouge with her. I dislike rogues since they carry numerous curses with them.

As I stepped out, all I could sense was something I had not expected to sense in so long.

The scent of blackberries.

Dark and very intoxicating. I followed it, but it simply vanished with no destination. I walked back into my room, feeling irritated and disappointed.

The next day, I saw Thea at the door. I am not sure why she consistently goes above and beyond her obligations in the pack. Being second in charge should keep her focused on ensuring I do not identify flaws.

“Good morning alpha I…—”

"You returned from your assignment so early," I interrupted her.

"Yes, the wolves were thrilled to see the black and gold moon."

"So, was everyone here anyway? I am pleased you did, so I was going to ask Bruno to call you back," I added, grabbing my cost because it was late.

"Ca…Catherine wants to see you in the next 20 minutes," she stated before departing.

I did not know what she wanted; I just hoped she was not going to tell me negative stuff. I was already in a good mood. I got ready and went to see her. I was standing outdoors as she approached from a distance.

I looked up and noticed she was not alone, but with someone I had not seen before. She welcomed me, but the lady she was with appeared to be too preoccupied.

I do not like strangers around my pack, so I asked her who the lady was. She told me she was a friend, but something seemed odd as I went close. My pulse was racing, and my wolf, Pine, was battling me to change. Knowing Catherine personally, I decided to let her remain before something clogged my nostrils—her perfume.

“Mate!" Pine screamed but I couldn't risk it.

“No, it can't be."

I chatted with Catherine as she departed, and she appeared to feel the same way, but after losing my partner to the curse, I could not look at another woman, especially.

“Alpha," Thea called as she worked into my office looking worried.

“Yes Thea, what's the matter?" I asked.

"Are you going to let that renegade remain here? I think we have enough problems, we can not let her stay. Please think about it; she may be—"

“Calm down, Thea Catherine promised me that Aria would not cause us any problems," I told her, but it did not seem persuasive to her.

"No, I have a nasty feeling about that woman now that she has begun getting close to the twins."

“What?" I responded shocked at the sound of that since they have been hard to befriend.

"Yes, I saw the new girl playing with Sia and Tia Alpha; something is not right," Thea stated.

"Nothing is wrong; when children like you, they will constantly be with you; nevertheless, if you are harsh, they may separate themselves—"

"You would never accept this, so there is no use in telling you; I will deal with her alone," Thea replied, preparing to walk out when I stopped her.

"Do not try anything entertaining; if the kids are pleased, let it be that way until I determine what to do."

“Alpha, please, how long will that take? Rumors of a rouge living in our midst may spread like wildfire, and I—"

“Thea, I have said, therefore, it is your responsibility to see that our visitor is not hurt, so leave," I added, and she went out.

"Alpha isn't Aria just —”

"Please do not tell me you already feel comfortable with her," I cut Thea off and made my way out.

I proceeded past the houses and spotted Sia and Tia smiling from a distance as if they were being tickled, but their grins quickly turned to fearful expressions. I could tell they were about screaming when I rushed and couldn't believe what I saw.

“What?!" I exclaimed in horror as I saw the wild beast's dead body.

“I…I am sorry I was —”

"Do you realize that what you have just done might exacerbate our problem? How could you murder the—"

"Aria merely looked at the beast, and…

fell," Sia said.

"What?!”

"Yes she didn't touch Alpha," Tia added.