The Alpha within ️

Freya’s POV

I've never felt a night could be so long. After they left, I tried desperately to fall asleep, but I couldn't.

The rot.

The darkness.

Everything roped my senses as I struggled against my wrists bound by the rope.

"Please…" I cried, tears rolling down my cheeks.

"I don't want to die… please."

The air started to grow thin and strained. Every gasp was a reminder that I was near death's door.

No, I can't die.

My teeth bared against the ropes as panic rose in my stomach and then…

Clash!

A fierce growl echoed through the dark space of the coffin I was in.

"Freya!"

It was the exact same voice, the one I heard before I woke up in my second life.

My eyes snapped open, and I was no longer in that coffin.

"What is this?" I mumbled, rolling my eyes through the empty space.

"It's all a dream."

I whipped my head, and I saw thick silver fur and paws twice the size of any wolf I had seen.

"What are you?"

"Not what. Who." It was a soft yet thunderous voice that spoke with authority.

Her paws inched closer, and so did I.

It was like my body was drawn to this wolf in front of me.

Slowly I reached forward, my hand wavering slightly, but she did the unexpected.

The wolf lowered her head to reach my height.

"My name is Sea, your wolf."

 My body stiffened as those red fiery eyes pierced me.   

I pulled back just a little. "That's not possible. I don't have a wolf."

"Once in every generation," Sea murmured, "the Moon Goddess bestows a gift upon her night children. Power, instincts, knowledge… enough to turn against a great evil." Her ears lowered, and I felt something clench inside my chest.

"Night children involve three species of the Moon Goddess—werewolves, vampires, and witches. Why does any of that have to do with me?" I swallowed hard.

"Your death created a gap in fate. Moonfire returned and wiped out packs, and the wolfless population crisis became unstoppable. The Moon Goddess brought you back to avert this crisis, and by choosing strength over weakness, I was awakened."

"How's this possible? So all this time you have been with me?"

Sea's eyes brightened as she leaned forward, brushing her fur against my face.

"Silly girl. I've been with you since the day you were born. And all those years when you chose cowardice over strength, our strength dwindled until I became dormant…"

My hand wrapped around her neck, letting myself sink into her warmth. "I'm so sorry. It's all my fault…"

"But you have to hurry. A lot of things are different in this new world," Sea whispered, and softly she started to fade.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my room.

A low smile crawled over my face as I sprang up.

I wasn't wolfless or an omega, but an alpha.

As an alpha, I have even more reason to rightfully lead Oakcreek pack without the elders getting in my way. 

First, I need to start working on the cure.

Quickly, I walked toward my wardrobe to get some clothes when I caught my reflection in the mirror.

I froze.

My skin looked warm, unlike before. I was pale and often suffered from constant breakouts on my face.

"They are gone."

I brushed my hand over my face, feeling the smoothness of my new skin.

Was this what it felt like to have a wolf?

No more illness. No more skin problems.

 A rush of power pulsed through me as sea's voice whispered inside my mind.

"It's your alpha strength."

 Disbelief shot through me. "Sea, you're here."

"Of course I am. But Freya, we need to focus on getting the cure soon."

I stared back into the mirror. "I was thinking about the same thing. The cure I created in my past life only failed during the first trial because their bodies were unable to sustain it… not because the formula was wrong."

My hand ran through my hair as I took a steady breath. "I plan to make training and exercise mandatory for all wolves to boost vitality. But first, I need to assess and study their current training curriculum."

*****

Greenville's pack buzzed when I stepped in—grunts filled the air amidst the constant tapping of boots against the dirt.

The first time I came to the training ground, it was to see Killian and bring him lunch. He didn't even take a bite. Instead, he gave it to the guard.

Then I thought he was quite charming and selfless. Now I knew better.

"Urgh!"

My eyes narrowed toward the sound. Two wolves had a younger boy cornered against a fence, shoving him back and forth.

While the rest of them just stood there and watched.

Blood trickled from the boy's nose.

"Hey!" I yelled. "That's enough!"

Hearing my voice, their heads turned toward me as I tore the boy away from their grip.

"It's the Luna!"

"Freya. What are you doing here?"

The voice behind me was low, warm, familiar.

I turned and saw my Gamma, Raphael, stepping through the crowd—broad shoulders cutting through the tense air, dark eyes locked on me with that quiet softness he never bothered to hide. The kind of gaze that always landed on me first before anything else.

My chest tightened.

I found Raphael at the outskirts of Oakcreek, badly wounded by rogues, and nursed him back to health. Since then, he never left my side.

He moved closer, careful. “Are you alright?” His voice lowered, “You shouldn’t be here alone.”

I shook my head. “Since when did training become so ferocious?”

His jaw flexed. I knew that look—anger, barely leashed.

Before he could answer, one of the bullies scoffed, crossing his hands over his chest. "What's wrong with teaching that boy strength? Greenville has no place for weaklings."

Raphael moved before I even did, his body angled toward mine in silent defense. His presence alone made the bullies stiffen.

I slid my hand around Raphael’s forearm. “It’s fine.”

"I don't have a wolf. Do you think I'm weak and don't deserve to be in the pack?" I said, taking a step forward 

The bullies lowered their eyes even though they still held defiance.

Motioning toward the boy, I groaned. "Look at what you're doing carefully. That's not strength. Subjecting him to constant torture will take away his will until he doesn't have any."

A few wolves murmured in agreement. Others crossed their arms, openly skeptical.

With this kind of routine of daily beating, no wonder their bodies grew weak and were unable to handle either the cure or the Moonfire serum meant to enhance their genes.

"Starting today, we're changing the training routines," I announced. "Less dominance, more actual discipline. Drills that build instead of break. And no more targeting the weakest members of the pack."

A wave of uncertainty rippled through the crowd.

"Why should we listen to you?" The bully snorted loudly. "You don't even have a wolf."

"How dare you?" Raphael hissed, towering toward the bully, but I snatched his arm.

The bully, however, didn't back down. "We need a real Luna," he spat. "Not a…"

Something inside me rose like fire through my arms until it reached my throat.

The back of my hand lashed against his face, and he staggered back from the force.

"Kneel!"

The command tore out of me like lightning.

Sea's aura heightened my senses, shaping the world before me.

Everyone dropped to their knees as if gravity had faltered.

Silence swallowed the training ground whole.

"Luna, forgive me. I… I didn’t mean to speak out of line," the bully stuttered, locked on the floor.

"Rise."

I didn’t want people to fear me, but in order for rules to be established, fear can be wielded as a weapon.

As everyone slowly rose to their feet, I caught Raphael’s stare—wide, stunned… proud.

 The look on his face almost made me laugh.

But then—

 A scent hit me.

A deep, familiar musky scent caused my head to spin, sending goosebumps over my skin.

‘Mate.’

‘It's our mate.’

My pulse spiked. Heat rolled under my skin. My vision sharpened then blurred again.

If anyone saw this—

No. Not here.

I forced a breath through my teeth, trying to keep my expression neutral.

“I need some air,” I muttered quickly.

Before Raphael could step closer or anyone else could question it, I turned on my heel and walked away.

The magnetic pull dragged my feet until I was in the woods.

Sea stirred inside me. I gasped slightly, feeling her claw her way to the surface, demanding dominance.

"Urgh!" I growled, stumbling, digging my protruding claws against a tree.

He’s close, she growled. Too close to ignore. Let. Me. Out.

“We can’t,” I panted. “Not here. Not now. Killian patrols this ground—if he sees us—if he realizes I have a wolf—”

My knees slammed into the ground. Bones shifted beneath my skin—one twitch away from a full shift.

“Sea, please—I'm not ready—I can’t—”

Pain shot from my spine and rushed up into my head as I panted.

My body shook violently, caught between instinct and sheer will.

But slowly—agonizingly slowly—Sea receded.

Like a wild tide being dragged back by force.

I exhaled shakily.

The relief lasted one second.

Then everything dropped out from under me—vision scattering, trees tilting, blood roaring in my ears.

My legs gave way.

And right before I hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me upright into solid warmth.

“Freya—

Freya, stay with me.”