Chapter 9

Alpha Sebastian

I have a few hours that i returned in town. The sun is shining and i feel somewhat relaxed that i am back. My house is out of town, i went and took a nap on my old sofa for some hours and then i headed out. I live alone and when i leave there is no one to tend to the house. There are, however, two omega she-wolves that come and clean my house once a month. I don't want them to, they insist on doing it all these years. But there are no foods or other essential supplies. I get everything fresh when i am here. I don't need much, i don't want much either. I am just taking it day by day. For years now, just trying to get by. My only goal is to protect my pack. Though small, it's all i have left. My family.

The town has approximately twelve thousand permanent residents. The werewolves are only a couple hundred, the rest being humans. Ah, yes, and witches. Thirty six witches, to be exact. I always keep track of them, measuring them up. We may be more than them in numbers, but they have dirty ways and powers we don't fully understand. I would be longer gone everytime, if it wasn't for them. There might have been a few scary incidents over the years, but in general they don't cause serious trouble. But, still, i am scared to leave them roaming free. One of the reasons my gammas are constantly inside the borders.

Thirty six witches (male and female), divided in five covens, Arkana being the strongest of them with twelve members, and Black Jade being the newest with only three members. I see it as just kids rebelling against their witchy parents. Thinking they know best, i guess. There are some rivalries amongst them, but nothing serious. I believe most of them are basically fortune tellers or charlatans. Still, i always keep tabs. Better safe than sorry.

We have an unwritten rule here, between us. I don't get in their face as long as they don't show their face around here. Anyone who had the audacity to request for more privilages or freedom for witchy stuff,like festivals and such, got their asses kicked out of this town. Anyone who stays understand that the witches here are considered lower even from humans and if they don't like it, the are free to relocate. I can't banish them, like pack members, but i have other ways of making them leave for good. For the humans in town i am just an eccentric, rich man that enjoys walking around like a hobo. Always with dirty, shredded clothes and untidy hair, always in a bad mood, but always there if they ask for my help. The rest, however, know. And their fear for me is great enough to keep them in line.

I came across some of them in the morning that i came in - it was rather unpleasant to see them first thing after such a tiring journey. I rested well, though, had a hot bath and put on some rather clean clothes, and i felt ready to face the day.

I let Thomas know i am back,through the mindlink, while i'm going to the store to buy some food. I don't fuss over pleasantries with any of my packmates, i just nod when they greet me. They are never happy to see me, i know that much, but i do appreciate the fact that they make the effort to smile at me.

As i get in the supermarket i am greeted by Jack, doing his best to hide his frown. I don't speak to him, as always. My father would have been so disappointed in me if he was still alive, but i can't help it. And i don't care about Jack right now. I am solely focused on that new smell i'm catching in the store. It is not unusual for passers-by to stop for snacks here, so new smells is not a rarity. But this smell is different. It is full and vibrant. If heaven had a smell, this would be it. My head is buzzing and my body tingles. What is this weird feeling?

I start looking around, a desperate need to find the source. My wolf is completely on edge, clawing in my head and screaming at me. I see a lot of other people doing their shopping, looking on their phones or searching for things between the shelves. I can't grasp the scent, though. I can't follow it, it seems as it is everywhere around. My wolf perks up his ears, thinking maybe we will hear something to lead us to the scent. I am moving fast, almost maniacally, searching through the aisles in stealth mode, until my eyes land on her.

Long, brunette hair, decorated with a silver hairband, dressed in a lovely blue, long, winter dress, matched with brown boots. Up this close her scent is attacking my nostrils violently and with every breath i draw, i feel my whole body shaking with anticipation for the next breath. My head was apparently buzzing in the rhythm of her humming. Lovely melody but i can't quite take it in fully, as my wolf hasn't stop howling and whimpering in my head, making so much noise i can't even hear my own thoughts. Wait a minute... I don't have any thoughts... My mind is quiet for the first time in decades, every outside sound has been muffled and my tormenting thoughts have been subsided. Only my wolf is huffing and puffing in my head. What is happening right now? I feel so conflicted inside. I feel weaker and stronger at the same time, i feel i want to stay in this moment here, now, forever, and at the same time i am terrified at that thought. What the fuck is happening???

She looks really focused on her shopping list, haven't noticed me yet. I can't move, i just stand there petrified, looking at her. I close my eyes, trying to compose myself, take a deep breath, but when i open them again, i find her facing me. Her deep blue eyes fixed on mine, and as my breath solidifies in my throat, my wolf screams in my head.

"Mate".