CHAPTER 20

Darius

The crest of the moon was glowing in the clear sky. The sound of owls cooing and frogs in the pond could be heard all over the forest. Time seemed to have froze and all the animals in the forest waiting for me to make my decision. That was the power of the Alpha, my every decision paramount to an entire pack’s way of life. At first, it was over-whelming to carry the weight of every decision I make knowing it can signify between life or death. Eventually, I became more comfortable with that responsibility. It no more felt like a burden, but more of a privilege to be entrusted by my pack to lead them.

Unlike most alphas who usurped the throne, I was chosen not because of my bloodline but because the pack admired my leadership skills and my progressive way of reasoning. So, before I make any decision, I make sure that I can live with consequences or the aftermath. However, today felt different. Usually, it was not even worth considering. Rogues were among the bottom list in the ranking of wolves. They are not regarded as worthy members of a pack. They are seen as outsiders or even outcasts who only bring chaos and disorderliness anywhere they go.

Which is the reason why they are not accepted in any pack. Yet, a wave of empathy washed over me as I gazed into Aurora’s deep eyes and saw tears welled up. I could sense the sadness in her words. It felt like an old wound re-opened. 

“You feel they can be useful to us?” I asked her. Her eyes widened in excitement. Raven also looked shocked in awe at my response.

“Yes…they may not look at it now, but they will forever be grateful to you. Their loyalty will come in very handy some day.” Aurora nervously replied.

I was in confliction with both my mind and heart. Logically, the smart decision is to chase them away out of the pack, as they are viewed as degenerates who are not to be trusted. Yet, looking at the sincerity in Aurora’s eyes, I couldn’t help but feel a pinch of pity towards their plight. Been exiled away from your pack to fend for one’s self can be the most painful feeling for a wolf. We are strongest as a group, so been cast away makes you vulnerable to various types of attacks and unforeseen danger.

“She has never asked me for anything before, it will feel wrong rejecting her now in front of everyone.” I thought to myself. My wolf signaled in agreement. For reasons beyond me, I found myself been unable to resist her plea.

“Fine…they will be stationed at the outskirts of the palace. However, they will closely monitored and should they be found wanting…” I saw her eyes flicker with joy at my response. She hurriedly kept nodding her head in agreement even before I finished my pronouncement.

“Thank you our alpha, we wont let you down!” The rogues shouted out in unison. My gaze at Aurora was caught short from their yelling. My wolf grunted in annoyance, but I calmed it down. “We are doing this for her, not for these wolves.” I mumbled to myself.

“Let’s return back to the palace, it’s already late.” I said in a serious tone. Everyone else made the necessary adjsutments to head back. I led the group as I was obviously the fastest. I still felt the piercing gaze of Aurora watching me closely with my peripheral vision. I suddenly felt the urge to do some acrobatic moves hovering over some branches lodged on our path. 

Raven and the other wolves dare not to even attempt my slick moves and simple pushed them away out of the road. I felt so silly but my wolf seemed to be enjoying himself like we were in some form of an audition.

“I’m the Alpha, why do I need to impress her?” I thought to myself. Yet, a wave of joy washed over me when I saw Aurora stylishly blushing as  if she understood my intentions.

“I guessed she liked it…” I thought to myself. My wolf became all giddy with happiness but I tried to remain unfazed in my facial reaction. I didn’t want raven to catch me smiling sheepishly.

Thirty-five minutes later, we arrived at the palace. Aurora rushed into my private chambers, while raven ordered the palace guards to sort out the new pack members. I went to the throne room to see if I had any guests. Luckily, there was none. Just as I was about heading out, raven cleared her throat to draw my attention.

“My Alpha, may I speak freely?” Raven asked in a soft voice, yet I sensed a headache was coming. She was as fierce as a warrior and also cunny when she wanted to make a suggestion or request.

“Speak!” I snapped back, I sat down on the high chair as she bent a knee to address me. “My Alpha, I mean no disrespect. I simply what to commend you on allowing the rogues to stay in the pack. Not many alphas will agree to do that.” Raven said while curving her lips slightly, she tried to hide her mischievous grin but I had already spotted it.

“ It was a tactical decision, they will increase our army strength.” I said in a serious voice. My wolf scuffed at my response. 

“Ofcourse my Alpha, you’re always so wise.” Raven replied with an unconvinced look. I shot a glare at her which made her shudder. Moments later, I left the room giving her an ‘hmph’ expression. She regained herself quickly and bowed slightly acknowledging my exit.

I entered my bedroom chambers and saw Aurora waiting for me. She changed from the overly-sized track suit she wore earlier, to one of the silky gowns that I left in her closest amongst her new clothings. It accentuated her figure nicely.

“Thank you for today, my alpha.” She said as she approached me slowly. My heart raced quickly as she took each step closer to me. I tried to feign ignorance by coughing out.

“Cough..it’s no problem. It was the smart thing to do.” I said in a hoarse voice. I fought many wars but I was never this anxious in my entire life. I found it hard to breathe, all my restraints came crashing as she approached me. Her soft feminine scent broke down all my defenses. I could no more hold myself as I met her lips with mine.They were soft and succulent like strawberries. I found myself diving-in more and more as it became intense. She also started getting more aggressive as she also explored my mouth deeper. Just as we were about to go even more. I could hear a loud knock on the door.