The Surprising Tribute

Welcome To The Pack   "You are going to love this place Zaya." My mother said as we entered the lands of Blood Moon pack. My father remained quiet as she tried to convince me this was the right move. "So, you keep saying. I still don’t understand why we had to move so far away from the only home I ever knew and my friends." I was still angry with my parents. We lived on the outskirts of a human town for as long as I have been alive. Ever since I heard we were moving, I thought about running away. I only had one month left in school and would turn 18 soon after that. In most cultures, I was practically grown. But every time I tried to leave, I felt compelled to stay. My father’s parents were exiled from his pack when he was only a boy for healing a slave. Both were great healers. My mother’s parents were rogue. Soon after my parents mated, my father's parents passed away. Only then was my family invited back into our pack. The Blu

The Beginning   I was awakened by a small knock at my door. My eyes peeled open, and the sun was shining brightly through the window. I turned over trying to avoid the bright light. I heard the knocks again and finally rolled out of bed. When I opened the door, a tall girl was standing before me. "Hi, I’m Hailey. You must be Zara?" "Zaya. My name is Zaya." I said wiping the sleep out of my eyes. "Sorry. I thought I heard someone say it was Zara. My apologies. The Luna sent me to tell you breakfast is served in thirty minutes." "Thanks, but I’m not hungry." She gave me a crazy look. "Someone also said you were human raised. Never been in a pack. But I didn’t believe it until now. It’s custom that we all eat together in the main dining hall every morning at 8 am. That’s in 29 minutes." "Oh, sorry. I did not know. I’ll be there." I closed the door as she walked away without a word. I went to the restr

Dinner with The Alpha   Alpha Ken was standing in my doorway. His head almost reached the top of the door frame. "Is it ok if I come in Zaya?" "It's your house." I sat up on the bed and he took a seat on my couch. "We missed you at breakfast Zaya." "I wasn’t hungry." "I understand you may not be feeling well, but we have rules here and it's important to abide by them." When I didn't respond he continued talking. "Listen, it may not seem to be that big of a deal but when we come together for breakfast in the morning, it's more than just a rule. It's our way of showing up for each other. It's our way of communicating and showing everyone that no matter what happens, we are still here. I can't imagine what is like to just be thrown in this life but I promise you will learn to love it." I was shocked. I thought Alpha’s were supposed to be hard asses. Rude and unkind to show strength. But Alpha Ken was kind. "O

Training Day   Did the Alpha just say what I think he said? A rogue attack was coming. I could hear some of the pack members gasping in surprise. Some even growled out of anger. "Do not worry. You warriors will get your chances to protect what is ours. I am taking some of our most skilled warriors to help diffuse the fighting. We leave in a few days. For now, everything will continue as normal." I looked to Godric and Alex. They both looked unfazed by anything the Alpha just said. Maybe that was the role of an Alpha’s son. To seem strong when everyone else is panicking. Alpha Ken left breakfast along with the Luna and Beta. A few other people followed them out. No doubt to discuss the matter further. "You should eat little wolf," Godric said feeling my eyes on him. "Training won’t be as easy. Especially for someone who hasn't trained in years." I listened to him and ate my food in silence. All the while, watching everyone

No One To Call   Now I realized where the panic, fear, and anger had come from. There was only one way Godric could become Alpha. According to Anna, either Alpha Ken would have to give up his title or he would have to die. And since Alpha Ken was nowhere to be found I assumed the latter. I swallowed hard realizing the worst had come. "Are you guys saying what I think you're saying? Is Alpha Ken dead?" The pit of my stomach began to knot over. I was sick just thinking of the thought. Alpha Ken had been nothing but kind to me since I got here. He made sure everyone made me feel welcome while my parents were away. And then it hit me. These two had just lost their father. "I'm…I'm so sorry to hear that. Are you guys OK?" Alex could hardly make eye contact with me. And Godric wouldn't stop looking at me. Finally, he said, "There's something else you should know." "Godric. Gently." Alex said. "Gently." Godric nodded to