Chapter 3

ALANA’S P.O.V

The boundary wolves howled at a great pitch, marking a new day. The deer grazed peacefully in the clearing, their ears perked for any sign of danger. The forest was still and quiet, the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Suddenly, a twig snapped underfoot, and the deer's heads jerked up in alarm. Upon noticing us, they took off like a shot, their white tails flashing behind them.

We burst out from the trees, hot on the deer’s heels. "Come on, you stupid deer!" I groaned, my breath coming in short, sharp pants.

We ran until the deer's strength finally gave out, and we brought it down. "Alana, You know we're going to be in so much trouble if your father finds out we were here," Eve said, her voice shaking.

I scoffed. "I can handle my dad Eve. Besides, I'm almost 19. I'm not going to let some silly rule stop me from having a little fun."

Eve and Amaya looked at each other like I was crazy, their eyes wide.

"Oh My God! Are you serious?" they said in unison.

"Yeah, in 7 months, I'll be a grown-up and I won't have to follow these stupid rules anymore, dad is so unfair to us female wolves, treating us like babies, we are as strong as the male wolves," I said.

"Well I am sorry you feel like that but until then, you are still under my care and you will adhere to all the rules of the pack," Father said, stepping out from behind a tree. His eyes blazed with anger. "What is wrong with you Alana? What you're doing is not only dangerous but irresponsible. How many times have I warned you not to leave the pack alone?”

“It's not fair dad, I can take care of myself, I don't need Eli to babysit me.”   "Enough! I don't want to hear anything about it, you will adhere to my rules Alana! Now take your kill and your friends back to the palace," he said and turned to leave. "And yes, I don't want to see you breaking any more rules. You’ve just ruined what could have been a relaxing morning walk for me."

We all exchanged a guilty glance, as we hurried to gather up our things. I carried the deer, while the other two helped each other up. We all walked back to the pack house, feeling like we’d just dodged a bullet.

How did he find us? I hate those rules

****** BACK IN THE WHITE WOLF PACK….

THIRD PERSON’S POV

"I'll make sure the whole pack knows what a traitor you are," the wolf snarled.

But before he could finish his sentence, the figure lunged forward, digging his claws into the wolf's throat and ripping out his esophagus.

Blood gushed from the wound, and the wolf fell to the ground, choking on his own blood. The figure quickly averted an incoming arrow.

"You missed your target," The figure said, turning to the hunter. "The other wolves will be here soon. They'll tear you apart."

The hunter's face was pale with fear.

"What about my payment? W..when am I gonna get my payment." he stammered.

"Your payment will be delivered after you're dead," The figure said with a sinister laugh, disappearing into the shadows.

The hunter scrambled to his feet and ran out of the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. He ran and ran, until he reached the edge of the forest and collapsed on the ground, exhausted. He lay there, panting.

ADRIAN’S P.O.V

"Two down," I muttered, my heart pounding in my chest. "This is only the beginning, and we've got a real problem on our hands and I don't think the pack is ready for whatever's coming," I said as I glanced down at the body of the elder, who had taken his last breath for the pack. "I'll make sure the person who did this pays, I swear it,” I said as tears streamed down my face.

First, my father, now this, what was going on?

"Alpha, the hunter got away," a wolf reported, his voice breathless with panic. "Some of our packmates are dead, they were ambushed by -"

I raised his head and glared at the wolf, cutting him off. "Dead? How many of our packmates?" I demanded.

The wolf hesitated. "I don't know, exactly. Th. They were... gone when I got there."

Ethan’s brow furrowed. "Gone? What do you mean gone?"

"I think the wolves were attacked and they all didn't survive," the wolf explained. "It's clear that something big is coming, something we're not prepared for."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Go gather all the pack members here, now. We need to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for." I said.

"Yes, my Lord." the wolf said, bowing his head before turning to leave.

"Whatever comes next, Adrian, just know that I'm with you, Always brother," Ethan said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I've got your back."

I turned to look at him, my eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," I said. "It really means a lot to know that I have your support."

Ethan gave me a nod. "Always," he said.

Sky approached us and gently took the elder from his arms, laying him in the freshly dug grave. "We honor his passing," he said. "He was a great man, and he will be missed."

I nodded, my eyes feeling a bit moist with tears. "He was like a father to all of us," I said. "He taught me everything I know," I said.

We all returned to the palace with their faces grim. On getting to the palace gates, the pack gathered around and I noticed a low murmur running through the group so many hushed voices speaking in whispers.

I cleared my throat to speak. “The enemy thinks they can break us," I said, my voice firm. "But we are a pack. We are stronger together than we are apart. It's evident they want to divide us, but they will not succeed, it's been a terrible day, so let's all go and rest in our houses." I said and with that the gathering dissolved, feeling disoriented and fatigued, I timidly walked to my father's room.

On getting to his room the first thing I noticed was his blood-soaked bed and I broke down all over again. "I can't do this Father," I sobbed. "Why? Why did you make me the Alpha just to leave me all alone, Why couldn't Sky be the alpha instead of me? I'm not fit to lead the pack, Dad. I can't do this!

The door creaked open and I heard a voice coming in "You are stronger than you know, Adrian," Sky said, stepping into the light. "Our father saw something special in you," Sky said, his voice calm and reassuring. "You have a different set of skills and strengths. That's what makes you a tremendous leader. You just need to learn to control your emotions and not let them cloud your judgment."

I looked up at Sky. "Do you really think I can do this, do you think I have what it takes to lead this pack?" he asked.

"No! I don't think, I know you can," Sky replied, placing a hand on Adrian's shoulder. "I alongside all our brothers will stand by you, and help you through this difficult time. You are not alone. I'm always here for you and I'd guide you through anything . That's what elder brothers do, right? Remember Adrian, being hunted is part of being an Alpha,"

Sky said, his smile warm and reassuring.

"You might not know this but our father faced a lot of challenges when he took over so don't be too hard on yourself, and don't give up hope. Take a moment to rest, and gather your strength. We'll figure this out together."

I took a deep breath, as I felt the tension leave my body. "Thank you, Sky," I said, my voice husky with emotion. "I appreciate your support and your faith in me."

“Good now get yourself together and be sure to get a good night's rest, your coronation is tomorrow.” he patted my shoulder before leaving Father’s chambers.

I miss you, Father.