Romance
The Prisoner’s Princess Chapter 93
A/N: I didn’t feel it was right to post why I left up here. It’s in the comments. I love you guys, sorry for being gone so long, but I had to sort myself out before I came back.
Bryson
The golden wolf and two other orphans were taken in by Orekkeen, the little weasel, to teach the old stories to since his daughter had no interest. He had a bad habit of hiding, returning, and giving shit advice that made me want to set Ven on him, but for the sake of having an elder around, I didn’t. The old lycan was as annoying as he was useless. I grumbled, turning off my phone screen. It took the entire night to enter so many former Rouges without papers into the MoonPack System, however it was necessary.
They were all accounted for, and about 127 of them had given an oath of loyalty. They would be watched closely for a few weeks, then afterwards they would be free to live their lives so long as they followed pack law. Zackery, however, was nervous. With each wolf escorted to the pack, he grew ever more concerned. He could smell not only that I had a wolf, but also the old scent of murderous intent with it. When I looked to share words with him, I heard him gulp. I chose to ignore him.
“Alpha I’m sure we can talk about this like reasonable men.” Said Beta, run walking behind me. It was done, all who had not oathed left, but I waved my hand dismissively.
“I’m not going to kill you if that’s what you’re worried about.” I said shifting. I ran as my wolf into the deep untouched places of the forest, and howled for all to hear. The wind ruffled my fur, and I had no intention of shifting back soon. It was my instinct to patrol in the late dawn of the morning, and make sure the intruders were gone, though I knew they were. I also figured everyone would be fine without me in the office at the moment since I had already organized homes, potential jobs and registration. They could get their ID’s printed later today.
Alpha that doesn’t help! He complained and I chuckled. It was now my gamma’s turn to protest. He stayed back with the new pack wolves, while I smelled in the forest air. I missed this…
Alpha, please Don’t hurt Zack, we were all in on it… every Beta… Every Gamma…. Even some of the Deltas…. We didn’t want you to have to worry about a few no rank wolves making trouble.
Alpha, please know that we with rank all hold true to interrupt you as little as possible… We know you have allot on your plate all the time. We also hold faith in your leadership, but we had all agreed to try and handle situations before calling you… I accept whatever punishment you have for me. Zackery linked, though I internally sighed.
I understand. I was without my wolf, and you thought I needed rest, but this was too big to keep to yourselves. I would like reports emailed to me in the future. Tell the others to keep them summarized. The snarl I made echoed off the trees, but I wouldn’t punish them for this. It just didn’t sit right… they shed blood and sweat for me to heal.
Forgive us Alpha, it won’t happen again. Linked Zackery, while I chased a rabbit. I hated to admit it, but something so small wouldn’t do anything for me…. I just liked chasing it. It was Ven who wanted to kill it.
Of Course, Alpha. Alexander linked back, sounding as if he let out a sigh of relief. I knew he meant well, however right now I was being driven by instincts that resurfaced. There were so many familiar scents that I didn’t notice until now, and even more to see. I didn’t realize my vision was impaired without him, nor did I realize I was weaker until he returned. I was glad that I still had control of myself… most likely the Lady’s blessing.
Though the feeling of rage and bloodlust ran through my veins and out my pours. I hated that feeling as much as I craved it. It was easy enough to resist, but that it had returned with my wolf meant that it was ultimately him who was the main cause of it. Catching the rabbit did nothing for me, because it was mostly a mouthful of fur…
I snarled loudly one last time, ruining the hunt for any near, but I honestly didn’t care. I had this small moment to be who I was, feeling completely whole, while Ven behaved as if he never left.
I cannot believe I was gone so long…. We should check on the pups and our little mate. He growled, and I agreed.
She’s up by now too. I mumbled, turning to run as fast as my legs could go. Deer scattered, and I was eventually followed by a unit of Warriors who ran with me. It drove my instincts wild. I was finally whole again, but I could not savor it like I wanted too. I was an Alpha now, and I had responsibilities. I knew today I would have to speak with the tree division of the pack as well, since there was much to be fixed on the other side of the pack.
I reduced my gallop into a slow trot once I got into the pack proper. I didn’t want to hurt anyone or strike fear into the hearts of my people, but it seemed that the wolves that had been in the pack a little longer were somewhat appreciative of my presence. I noticed wolves smile, and wave at me. It was a welcome change… I nodded to all who would greet me, while there were others who shut themselves in their homes. I was still a bit too much for many, but I could understand that. I wasn’t the man I used to be… There was a time when I would have been on edge, ready to fight, but now I was much calmer.
“Congratulations Alpha!” Yelled a shopkeeper, and I gave her a small nod. Wolves treated me like I was a parade car, putting their pups on their shoulders to see their abnormally large Alpha. The only thing that was missing were the colorful paper and balloons for the few who were out.
“Mommy look, it’s Alpha!” Beamed a small child, running to me.
“Tilly no!” She chastised but he’d already hugged my leg. I didn’t know quite what to do so I stood there.
“Thank you Alpha! Mommy is so happy here.” He said, while she pried her child off me.
“Apologies Alpha.” She bowed, worried I was upset, but it was actually the opposite.
No need to have concern. I’m glad to know you’re happy. I common linked, which surprised some of them.
“I can’t lie… when I found out the campfire stories were real, we hesitated… but Sir I must commend your efforts in keeping us safe, as well as the Warriors.” She said with a smile.
“What pack are you from?” Asked one of my Warriors, and she stiffened a little.
“Alpha Ryan’s pack... my sister moved here after you took HalfMoon.” She said quietly, and her mate found her. She had gotten nervous and he must have felt it.
Ah, well have a good day. I linked back. If I said anything else, I would have made it worse, she would have become upset. I hoped that too many wolves didn’t run from Ryan, because I didn’t feel like any border drama. I already had enough on my plate as it was.
He is a coward. Growled Ven with venom, but he wasn’t wrong… however, in my eyes he’d redeemed himself by protecting my pack while I was dead, and that thought somewhat soothed him. Going up the hill, I was content, knowing that I was where I belonged…. I made my way home finally, though it was already about 10 by the sun. I opened the door to hear my pups upstairs, playing roughly by the sound of it.
I chuckled walking upstairs, discovering that Isabelle was already having a meeting with one of the lumber mill managers. Ross was the manager of the HalfMoon side of the lumberyard, and he was a stocky, gray furred wolf.
“Ah, just the face I wanted to see!” He beamed, shaking my hand, and I returned it with a small nod.
“Do you have the report?” I said sitting in my chair, rummaging around for my spare pants.
“Yes Alpha, though this quarter is going to be low since 15% of the young trees were affected by Ellion’s death. We planted some fast growing bamboo, birch, and pine to supplement this loss though.” He said getting up from my mate’s desk, and putting a folder in my hand.
“Just make sure that you completely uproot the bamboo when you’re finished… I don’t want it to take over.” I warned, and he nodded, bowing as he did so.
“Have you slept at all?” Asked my mate.
“No, though I am fine without it.” I protested, but she got up and hugged my neck.
“Alpha I can’t make you, but you should at least get some rest.” She pleaded, however I denied her.
“No wildflower, if I sleep, I’m not getting up until tomorrow, and I wanted to organize something for the pup’s birthday.” I mumbled, and her eyes lit up.
“What did you have in mind?” She asked, hugging my neck a little harder.
“They can’t have cake… or blow out candles but they can eat meat. I was thinking a cook out with the pack. It could be a feast.” I said casually.
“And we could invite the entire pack!” She beamed, though I didn’t know about that many wolves… I was thinking along the lines of just a few friends and family….
“I like your enthusiasm, but I would rather not have so many wolves in one place.” I mumbled.
“It’ll be fine! My family will be there too! It could be a double, no Triple party. One to celebrate their birthday, and one for Ven’s return, and the Lunar Festival season is a moon away!” She beamed, kissing me on the cheek. “I heard you all the way from here.”
I sighed… I knew there was no stopping her. “Then do you suppose we should do it in between Pine and WaterMoon? Allot of it was cleared back when I was a teenager …” I asked, and she nodded happily.
“And we could have rides, it’s in the budget.” She smiled, though I raised a brow.
“…. Budget?” I asked, and she giggled, keeping Tyson away from a pencil on the floor.
“Every pack has money set aside for this kind of thing you know! You just so happen to have allot to pull from.” She already leaped to her computer, and called her father, who knew more about this kind of thing than I did.