He carefully reached the topmost shelf and pulled out a black velvet case. Blowing off the dust he placed it carefully on the table.

It has an engraving on it that reads,

"Malo periculosam libertatem quam quietam servitutem"

"I prefer liberty with danger to peace with slavery."

Inside, is the most viciously beautiful double barrel I have ever laid eyes on. It has a beautiful emblem etched under the writing. The moonlight glints on its silver muzzle.

I reach for it. Immediately, Dad growls deeply. As I look back up at him, he says nothing, shutting his eyes as if the ordeal pains him. I hesitate.

"No Lia, here. You must take it." he whispers.

I run my fingers through the cool metal, noticing the same engraving of the emblem on its case. As I touch it, the strangest thing happens, 

I feel a strong pull to its majestic power. Instantly I envision myself as a warrior, holding the silver barrel between two blue glowing eyes.

"She's made of pure silver,"my father clears his throat, interrupting the strange vision.

 "They say her last bullet, killed Lycaon himself." He does not take his eyes away from the revolver in my hands.

Posing with it as if shooting the dart board on the garage wall, I whisper in adoration,

"She's beautiful."

"She's yours." he smiles.

I'm taken aback. 

One, it has been so long since he has smiled at me. 

Two, he actually gave me this beautiful piece of work. 

I can't help but wonder the reason for this sudden, yet marvelous gift. Joy would be an understatement of my emotions right now.

"We call her the Queen. She is a family heirloom, so don't use her unless you are in the gravest of dangers."

"Okay, but why now dad?" I ask utterly curious.

"It's about time you know."

After giving this cryptic answer, he swiftly strides out leaving the case still open on the table. I quickly placed the gun inside and after a discreet kiss to the beauty, I placed it back on the shelf and followed him back home.

"I'm stepping down and you will be the next Beta, the swearing in ceremony is next Wednesday." he mutters as if he was noting the weather, still walking towards the house.

"You are joking," I chuckled, trying to hide the fact that my stomach just took a pitfall.

"Fronius is also stepping down, Aloysius already knows," he continued. I'm shocked that that fucker didn't even mention it.

"Dad, I can't do this. You know very well I have a job in the city and I can't leave it just like that.  Why do we have to change anything at all? I just don-"

He turned suddenly and startled me by placing his hands on my shoulder and looking right into my eyes , "Lia, you are and will always be a Wolf before you are a human, just remember, pick up the baton when your time comes."

I'm frozen. He just went inside leaving me gaping on the porch. I was afraid to tell him about my plan involving Gus, as, well, I am afraid. 

Ma was onto something  after all.

Dinner goes by in a buzz in front of my eyes, as I barely take part in conversation. Everything rattles in my head like a giant storm. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Gamma-to-be was just sitting there swapping out jokes with my old man like he was never feeling better. It makes me grit my teeth in annoyance. How could he so confidently take up his responsibility, like he was born for it. Whereas I-

'Well, he was born for it.' Wes grumbles. This is true, being the Gamma's biological son it is in his blood.

'Oh, look who is back.' I mutter in annoyance. 'Thanks for leaving me hanging back there with father.'

'Wes never rewards insolence,' she declared pompously.

'Uhuh, hilarious. Listen, I'm going to enjoy myself tonight, just stay out of my head, Okay?'

Tonight went smooth, and as usual, I wasn't required to contribute to the conversation. That was very well taken care of by my lovely sister and mother, well enough for the five of us.

 She and my mother can charm anyone's socks off after having spent no more than five minutes with them. Whereas Dad and I have trouble in that department. Gus is the baby of the family, he is the only one who always manages to have his dinner on the couch. And I for one, am ecstatic. 

Wishing everyone good night, I strapped on my helmet and walked my motorbike to the driveway ramp, while listening to Mum being all motherly about my riding skills. After uttering the umpteenth reassurance, I finally watched her go inside.

"Don't keep Al awake for too long, we have a pretty tedious day on the grounds tomorrow." I wink suggestively at Sia, who is loading up Al's trunk with some essentials. 

From my peripheral I can see her flipping me off. I just chuckled to myself and took off into the night.

***********

I find myself atop the barstool of The Wolf's Curse. The only bar in town that serves booze strong enough to tip off a Werewolf.

Regular nights in the city would include active flirting to end up in a hot guy's bed. If I bag a wolf, it would be easier to explain the speed in which I leave. 

Tonight my aim is, 'Get fucked to forget.' Man, I should get a pillow with those words.

'What if I sense our mate?' Wes asks.

I snorted at that. Yeah, right. Mate. That word sounds foreign to me at this point. He, who hasn't found me these past six years, would find me now? I scoffed in disbelief.

My eyes are on the candy tonight. The music obnoxious; the lights a sensual dim. I ordered a couple of scotch on the rocks, and settled down to leisurely eye every male in the house.

My eyes fall on the only shirtless man at the pool table. Target acquired.

************

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